How to Winterize Your Home: A Checklist for Easy Winter Preparation

Temperatures have started to drop in the Carolinas, meaning winter is vastly approaching. Experts recommend winterizing your home to ensure all home systems are efficient, which will help maintain low energy bills while also keeping your family comfortable throughout the winter season. Below is a quick and easy checklist to guarantee your home is ready to endure the upcoming cold months.

✅HIRE A LICENSED HVAC TECHNICIAN TO PERFORM AN ANNUAL FURNACE MAINTENANCE
It is imperative to schedule an annual furnace maintenance before firing up your furnace this winter. Not only will an annual maintenance and inspection ensure your furnace is functioning optimally, it will also detect any potential hazards as well as help prevent future issues from arising. An unchecked furnace can lead to a multitude of dangers including gas leaks, carbon monoxide leaks, and can act as a fire hazard.

✅CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE OR SMOKE DETECTORS
You should check your detectors for sufficient batteries all year long, but it is especially important in the winter months due to constantly heating your home by furnace or fireplace. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced the batteries in your detectors, it’s best to go ahead and do it again at the start of the cold season.

✅REMOVE ALL LEAVES AND DEBRIS FROM YOUR GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
This task is import to ensure your gutters don’t get clogged, which can lead to water penetrating the roof and causing roof leaks. It is especially important in the winter because water can freeze in the gutters causing them to crack and pull away from the home. Clogged gutters could lead to serious water damage, but a simple clean out after all leaves have fallen can easily prevent that.

✅CHECK ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS FOR GAPS AND CRACKS
If you notice any gaps around your windows or doors, simply install weatherstripping to those areas to seal them. Also check to see if any smaller openings exist around your home and if so, apply caulk to those areas to help prevent cold drafts from entering.

✅HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY INSPECTED AND CLEANED IF YOU HAVE A FIREPLACE AND PLAN TO USE IT
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually. Whether you have a wood burning fireplace or a gas fireplace, annual inspections and cleanings are recommended to confirm the structure is sound and to ensure no wildlife inhabited the chimney during the spring or summer months.

✅EXAMINE YOUR ATTIC FOR ADEQUATE INSULATION
Sufficient insulation is the key to retaining heat in your home. Not only will it help keep your home cozy and warm, it will also help reduce your energy bills. The longer the heat remains inside the home, the less your furnace will have to work.

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