Now that you’ve bought a programmable thermostat and replaced the furnace filters, it’s time to take your winterization to the next level. If you plan on using your fireplace, get it swept and stockpile wood, says The Balance blog; if not, install a chimney balloon to block downdrafts. Remember to get winter-specific equipment such as snowblowers, snow shovels and road salt ready for the onslaught of ice and snow, while also draining summer equipment such garden hoses, lawnmowers and air conditioners to prevent freezes and failures. Then, settle in for a safe and toasty winter!
Tag: winterizing
Winterizing for When You’re Away
If you’re planning on getting away for a week or more during the winter, you should take extra steps to winterize you home and ensure that it is safe and secure while vacant, says Travelers Insurance. If you plan to be gone for an extended period, protect your pipes from freezing and bursting by turning off the water supply and draining the pipes. For shorter trips, check pipes’ insulation and set the thermostat to at least 55° to keep them flowing. And always complete routine maintenance on the furnace to ensure that it continues to function while you’re not there.
Inexpensive Ways to Winterize the Home
You can winterize your home without spending a lot of money, according to renovation expert Bob Vila. Clean your gutters and flush your water heater to make it run more efficiently; you can also lower its settings to slash utility consumption or switch to environomentally-friendly solar heat. If you can’t afford new windows, get an inexpensive roll of weatherstripping tape and press it into place to cut drafts, and caulk gaps around windows, doors and siding. And finally, get a programmable thermostat to avoid heating your home when you’re not there.
Winterize Your Home to Save on Utility Costs
As the days get shorter (and colder), it’s time to winterize your home to stay warm without spending a lot on utilities. Start by replacing furnace filters and reversing ceiling fans, Popular Mechanics says, to warm rooms more efficiently. Cut down on drafts by using draft snakes, window films or new windows, and your thermostat won’t be tricked into churning out heat unnecessarily. And remember that every degree you lower your thermostat settings saves up to 3 percent on your heating bill — so put on a sweater and start planning a winter vacation with the money you’ll save!