Winter is just around the corner, meaning it is essential to ensure that your home is ready to endure the cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions. By taking precautions to keep your home warm, insulated, and safe, you can make sure this winter is cozy and cheerful instead of cold and miserable. Make a seasonal checklist for your abode with these crucial tips for winter-proofing your home.
Prepare Your Heating System
The last thing you want is to find yourself in the middle of the winter season with a broken heater. Prevent any unexpected issues and outages by hiring a professional to inspect and service your heating system before the cold weather truly sets in. You should also replace the air filters and make sure all the heating vents are clean and clear. This will help improve the efficiency of your heating system and keep you warm during the cold winter season.
Protect Water Pipes
Pipes that are exposed to the cold weather can freeze and burst, causing water damage and other inconveniences in your home. You can protect your pipes by wrapping them with pipe insulators or heat tape. It’s also a good idea to drain and store your outdoor hoses and turn off any external faucets before the temperatures drop.
Test Your Backup Generator
Testing your backup generator is a crucial step in winter-proofing your home. Make sure you perform a thorough evaluation by starting and running the generator for a couple of hours. Check for any signs of damage or malfunction, such as unusual noises or leaks. Pay attention to fuel efficiency, too. If your fuel doesn’t last as long as it used to, it might be a sign that you need a replacement generator.
It’s also important to test the transfer switch to ensure a seamless transition during a power outage. By taking these precautions, you can have peace of mind knowing that your backup generator will be ready when you need it most.
