Winter is approaching fast, and that means it’s time to prepare your home for those icy ravages. Ice, cold air, and moisture can wreak havoc on a structure both inside and out. A home that is ill-prepared for the weather ahead can mean even the conditions indoors are less than ideal. You don’t want to have popsicle toes or a giant mess on your hands either way. Here are some things to pay attention in home before the temperature changes.
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Insulate Pipes
Just because your pipes are indoors doesn’t mean they’re not vulnerable to freezing. Unfortunately, when this happens you don’t just end up with no running water. You’ll also end up with a spectacular mess once those pipes burst. To avoid this common plumbing emergency, Shorty’s Plumbing & Heating Inc recommend wrapping insulation around your pipes both where they enter your home and where they connect to your fixtures.You should look out especially for pipes close to the walls or weak drafty spots.
Replace Door Seals
If it’s been a while since you last replaced your door seals, you’ll want to consider addressing them before winter. Chronic use and exposure to the elements cause them to crack and degrade. If they’re in this condition when winter arrives, they won’t be able to keep the chill from seeping into your home. Besides being uncomfortable, this can cost you a lot more money on your heating bill. Fortunately this is a quick do-it-yourself job that won’t take much more than a few minutes to complete.
Close Off Gaps
Decaying door seals aren’t the only thing that lets Old Man Winter inside. Any gaps around your windows, roof, or foundation will also create drafty conditions. It’s important to locate these and seal them up with a quality caulk. In addition, doing this will also keep out the pests that view your home as a favorable place to wait out the winter. Now is also the perfect time to spray any problem pest areas so they don’t come back next spring.
Cover Leaky Windows
If your windows are old, chances are they’re also getting leaky. Unfortunately, replacing them is an expensive and time-consuming venture. If you’re unable to get this done before winter, your best bet is to seal them up with a layer of plastic. This will effectively keep the winter air out of your home, helping you to stay more comfortable.
De-Lime the Water Heater
A water heater never sees so much use as when it’s cold outside. Naturally, one of the last things you’d want is to be without is your Winnipeg hot water tank in the middle of winter. It’s recommended to perform some basic maintenance on your hot water tank. This typically involves draining it, clearing it of lime deposits, checking it for potential problems, and adjusting the thermostat.
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your home and family have to suffer through it. By following these basic preparedness tips, you can ensure that you stay warm and cozy all winter long.
