It’s that time of the year to wear layers, fire up the heater and protect your home from cold weather. Your home’s fireplace or heating system will be integral to your family’s comfort level when temperatures drop. Weatherizing your home will do more than increase the house’s efficiency, saving you money on utility costs. It will also add an extra layer of protection when it’s cold outside.
Here are some common weatherization projects to take on this winter that will boost home safety, efficiency and comfortability.
Furnace inspection
Regular inspections of your home’s furnace are essential to keep it running at a high level. A clean system will also help increase the furnace’s longevity. With the assistance of a technician, your system will be running at its best, saving you on expensive repairs caused by lack of regular maintenance.
Outdoor faucet care
When temperatures enter freezing territory, there’s a real risk of damage to the home’s water piping and faucets. Some products, such as faucet covers and freeze caps, can provide ample protection, but it may not always be enough.
A simple workaround is disconnecting garden hoses, draining water and shutting off the valve so water is unable to stand still inside the piping. These measures can prevent the piping from bursting due to frigid temperatures.
Leak check
The precious swirl of heated air will keep you warm and cozy, but leaks along windows, doors and other openings can diminish your home’s heating efficiency. Caulking along cracks and openings will seal off the leaks so that warm air stays put. This weatherization upgrade will also save you money on your utility bill.
Space heater safety
Sometimes you must pull out all the stops to keep warm inside your home. This includes using a space heater in rooms that seemingly do not get enough heat. As a safety tip, remember that space heaters should never be plugged into an extension cord. Use the main outlet to plug in your handy heater and also position it at least three feet from furniture, area rugs or any other item that can pose a fire risk when nearby.
Heaters with an automatic shut-off feature can be effective.
Smoke, carbon monoxide alarm tests
Take advantage of the time and remind yourself to test the batteries and functionality of your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Since now is the season to fire up your furnace, space heater, fireplace and other appliances, it’ll be prudent to check that all the safety alarms are in working order.
Vent cleaning
Cleaning vents and the chimney are a way to help prevent fire risk. Buildup and debris are leading causes of chimney fires. Creosote buildup can invite carbon monoxide and smoke to enter your living space, which poses a serious health hazard. A professional vent and chimney technician can help address these concerns.
We hope you enjoy the holiday season with friends and family!
