Winterizing your home will keep everything comfortable, energy-efficient, protected, and saving you money while enjoying a worry-free season. It is easy if you know how.
Despite a Colorado summer full of sunshine and rain, winter awaits Denver Metro in just a few short weeks. You should prepare your home for the cold months to ensure comfort, energy efficiency, protection from the elements, and to avoid costly future repairs. In Colorado, homeowners must winterize because of the extreme temperatures and snowfall. This seven-step guide will help you to winterize your home effectively so that you can enjoy a cozy and worry-free season. Besides preparing your home for winter, these tips can increase the value of your home if you are considering selling it soon.
1. Maintain windows and doors by inspecting and sealing them
The first thing you should do is check your windows and doors for any gaps or cracks. A properly sealed opening prevents cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping. Caulking and weatherstripping can prevent heat loss and reduce your energy bills by sealing gaps. Winter cold drafts coming in through windows will make your furnace work harder, and summer heat will cause your air conditioner to work harder to compensate for lost cool air.
2. Maintaining the HVAC system
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) maintenance is essential before winter arrives. The average American doesn’t change their air filters every month, according to 82% of Americans. The replacement of air filters ensures efficient airflow, and the cleaning of ducts prevents the build-up of dust and allergens. If you set a reminder on your phone or calendar, you’ll remember to change your air filter as soon as you receive your regular energy bill. The winter months are a good time to hire a professional to inspect and tune up your HVAC system. In general, maintaining a working system or tuning it up will cost a lot less than replacing any of the HVAC units. During the winter, you might consider getting an air conditioner cover to protect it from the elements, and remember to remove it in the spring and summer too.
3. Prepare for the outdoors
The importance of outdoor winterization cannot be overstated. Checkpoints include:
Make sure your sprinkler system is blown out, hoses are disconnected and drained, and outdoor water sources are shut off. You should take care of any problems, leaks, or repairs on your sprinkler system in the fall rather than waiting 6 months before using them again.
In order to prevent roof leaks, gutters and downspouts must be cleaned regularly.
Keeping tree branches trimmed near your home will prevent heavy snow and ice accumulation from causing damage.
Whether it’s patio furniture or other outdoor equipment or toys, you should cover them
Prepare your yard for spring by pulling weeds, removing leaves and debris before winter so you can start fresh.
There is no doubt that winter snowfall will fall in the Denver Metro area, but its amounts will vary from year to year. The sooner you have your chimney and gas lines inspected, the sooner you can use your fireplace.
4. Insulating attics and basements
It is possible for heat to be lost significantly through inadequate insulation. Make sure you have adequate insulation in your attic and basement. You may want to consider adding insulation so that your home retains warmth and you will not have to rely on your heating system as much.
5. Maintain a clean chimney and fireplace
An experienced chimney sweep can inspect and clean your chimney if you have a fireplace in your home. The result is not only that chimney fires are prevented, but also that safe operation is maintained. Ensure the fireplace damper is working correctly so cold air will not enter.
Leaf and debris removal helps prevent snow and ice buildup on porches and gutters.
6. Ensure that pipes and plumbing are protected
Damage caused by frozen pipes can be costly. Avoid freezing pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces by insulating them. Reduce pipe bursts by allowing faucets to drip slightly during extremely cold nights.
7. Setting up a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperatures at different times of the day to optimize energy consumption. At home, raise the temperature when you’re home and lower it while you’re away or asleep. In addition to keeping you comfortable, this also reduces your heating and cooling costs.
Programming your thermostat ensures a comfortable temperature every hour of every day, no matter where you are.
Colorado homes are likely your biggest investments – and the only ones you live in. In addition to providing comfort and energy savings, winterization also reduces maintenance costs. To prepare your home for winter, you need to seal openings, maintain your HVAC system, insulate key areas, take care of your fireplace, protect pipes, prepare the outdoors, and install a programmable thermostat in order to create a warm and inviting environment while safeguarding it against winter’s challenges. Make sure your home is winterized now before the cold sets in…enjoy the season to the fullest.
