Winter cold spells can be very hard on your home. Avoid emergencies or uncomfortable experiences by getting your home ready for winter with these tactics.

Replace Caulking and Weather Stripping

The cracks and spaces around windows and doors create drafts and heating inefficiencies. Cracks less than 1/2” wide can be filled easily with caulk and painted over. For larger gaps and spaces between the door jams, apply weather stripping. If you can see outside through the crack, it should be sealed up.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Your heater does not have to work overtime. If you are gone for a significant time each day – say when your family is at work or school – program your thermostat to drop its temperature to the lower 60’s. You can even drop the temperature at night during the hours you sleep. A programmable thermostat installed in your home can save you enough money to pay for itself in just a couple of years.

Replace Your Furnace Filter Monthly

When it gets cold, we rely heavily on the machines that heat our home. Be sure to have your furnace checked and tuned up at the beginning of the season if you are concerned about leaks. It is wise to replace furnace filters monthly to keep airflow unhindered in your house.

Prep the Plumbing

Before the freezing temps cause an issue, be sure to drain your outdoor faucets and shut off the water supply leading to them. If you have anti-freeze outdoor faucets installed, you do not have to worry about this step. However, it is still wise to prepare the plumbing in your home by wrapping insulation sleeves over pipes to prevent heat loss.

These simple steps can ensure your home is all set for the winter cold! If you’re in the market for a new home or property, contact the experts at Lumber One.