It's officially winter again... Grab your sweaters and blankets, and take some notes on the best ways to winterize your home!
Get your Heating System Checked
One of the main tips for winterizing your home is to get your heating system checked. Your heating unit will be the one appliance you will regularly use. Thus, it makes perfect sense to give it a detailed look before putting it to use.
Start by checking the air filters of your heating system when winterizing your house. If they have accumulated dirt or dust, take them out, wash them, and leave them out to dry. Once completely dry and clean, put them back in. A clean filter will improve air quality and reduce energy bills by as much as 15%.
Use Smart Home Devices
Smart home devices are all the rage these days and are essential if you want to winterize your home. For central heating systems, smart thermostats can be utilized to maintain an ideal home climate. If you have a ductless heat pump, smart AC controllers should be your go-to device to automate your ductless heating and cooling units. Smart AC controllers enable you to save on energy bills. With smart climate control devices, you can set up schedules for the whole week and use temperature and humidity triggers to maintain the perfect environment.
Prepare Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Be absolutely sure to regularly check and replace the batteries in your smoke and CO alarms, and check to make sure they work properly.
Prevent Cracks
Cracks within the perimeter of your walls can be a killer as warm air seeps out of your home. Caulk any gaps and check your weather stripping to make sure your air stays at a comfortable temperature.
Insulate Your Attic
If the insulation in your attic is not up to par, warm air can and will rise up all the way through your home. An easy way to determine if your attic has the proper insulation is to see if the ceiling joists are visible. If they are, further insulation is required.
Avoid Frozen Pipes
There are many ways to combat the onset of frozen pipes, but taking care of outside faucets is perhaps the most effective. Disconnect any hoses, cover outside faucets with foam covers, and turn off the water leading to outside faucets, if possible.
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