As the season shifts from the summer heat to the winter cold, the temperature drops, and the snow and frost loom. The house can use a little bit of help to protect itself against these elements. There are some home projects to take on before winter comes to ready the house.
The cold weather can damage the house, like the cracked walls and foundations, patios and driveways, dismantled roofs and gutters, burst pipes, downed trees, and many more. Then there are also other issues that residents of the house can cause, such as straining the HVAC systems and chimneys.
Preparing the house for the coming months will help save from spending too much trying to repair the affected areas by the cold temperature. These easy home care tips will help you save money every year the cold season comes.
Here's How To Prepare Your House On the Coming Winter SeasonUnsplash
Change Air Filters
The house's heating system will be running for many hours of the day during the colder months. The system will be working harder and be less productive if its filter clogged up with dust. Inspect the ducts every two years and filters should be changed every two months and before the cold season arrives. Make sure that the filter fits snugly in place.
Repair Damages on Hard Surfaces
Water can seep into cracks in hard surfaces like driveways, patios, and the foundation, which means the holes in them can get bigger by the end of the winter. Frost heave can expand the little cracks in the hard surfaces to big gaps that ends up creating serious damage. Using a crack filler and sealant, for the foundation, can prevent this problem as it stops water from seeping into the cracks.
Trim Tree Branches
Tree branches are more likely to break down during winter due to high winds, heavy snow loads, and other winter effects. It could be a big problem if tree branches fall onto the house, car, or worse to a person. Trimming them down could prevent damages to property and life. But remember to not burn the tree down because it might cause a potential fire.
Over the course of previous uses of a chimney, it could cause fireplace combustion that sends superheated flames up that increases the risk of a home fire. According to reports. there are over 20,000 chimney fires recorded in the United States every year. It is best to have a professional check the fireplace at least every two years and before winter starts.
Burn creosote to help break and remove potential combustible soot. This will prevent the chimney from catching fire.
Repair Gutter
Trapped rain and snowmelt that flows to the house is caused by the ice builds up in the gutter at the edge of the roof. This ice dam can cause moisture in the attic or create cracks on hard surfaces like the walls and foundation, fosters moss growth, and buckled walls and ceilings.
To prevent that, clean the gutter and repair it before the freezing temperatures arrive so that the water that flows off the roof will be directed appropriately to downspouts.
Check Air Leaks on Windows and Doors
Air leaks in windows and doors cause not only uncomfortable drafts but also unnecessary costs on electric bills. Check air leaks through visual inspections and test for air temperature changes using an exposed hand or a non-contact thermometer. If air leaks are present, use silicone sealant for small gaps as it is perfect for that job.
But use a draft blocker for gaps at the bottom of the doors that can be rested on the base. It can be easily washed in the washing machine to keep it clean.
