Autumn has arrived! Pumpkin spice scented everything has taken over, and the leaves are preparing for their grand finale before leaving their branches. The weather is just about perfect, with warm days and cool nights. It’s also the perfect time to prepare your home for winter. The first frost is just around the corner so be proactive with your home maintenance and you’ll rest a little easier knowing that whenever cold weather arrives, you’re more than ready for it.
Here’s a helpful checklist to help you prepare your home for colder weather. These steps will help you maintain energy efficiency, prevent damage, and ensure comfort during the colder months:
1. Inspect and Clean Gutters- Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and ice dams.
⃞ Clear out leaves, twigs, and debris. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce future buildup. Make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.
2. Seal Windows and Doors- Prevent drafts and heat loss.
⃞ Caulk around windows and doors on the inside of your home to seal any gaps. Consider adding door sweeps to keep cold air from entering under doors.
3. Check for Roof Damage- Leaks can lead to water damage and mold during rain or snowstorms.
⃞ Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles, and replace any you find. Look for signs of wear around chimneys and vents. Schedule a professional inspection if necessary.
4. Inspect and Clean Your Fireplace and Chimney- A dirty or blocked chimney can cause smoke buildup or even a fire hazard.
⃞ Hire a professional to clean and inspect your chimney. Check that the flue damper opens and closes properly. Stock up on firewood if you plan on using a wood-burning fireplace. We recommend a fireplace inspection once a year. Schedule now to avoid the rush!
5. Prepare Your Furnace- Efficient heating systems save energy and reduce the risk of breakdowns during the cold months. :
⃞ Schedule an annual HVAC system inspection.
⃞ Replace or clean furnace filters. Filters should be replaced monthly if you have indoor pets, and every 3 months if you do not have pets.
⃞ If you use a boiler, check for leaks or cracks.
⃞ Clean air ducts and make sure vents are unobstructed.
6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors- Increased heating and the use of fireplaces can increase the risk of fire or carbon monoxide buildup.
⃞ Replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Test alarms to ensure they’re working properly. Install detectors on every floor of your home. For proper placement guidelines for smoke detectors, visit https://support.firstalert.com/.
7. Insulate Pipes and Water Systems- Cold weather can cause your pipes to freeze and burst, leading to costly water damage.
⃞ Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, garages, outside walls, attics, and crawl spaces. Drain outdoor garden hoses and disconnect from them the faucet. Have your sprinkler system drained, as well. Shut off the water supply to exterior pipes to prevent freezing.
8. Reverse Ceiling Fans- Ceiling fans can help distribute warm air more effectively.
⃞ Remember that heat rises, so set your ceiling fans to run clockwise on a low setting to push the warm air down from the ceiling, and improve air circulation..
9. Check Insulation Levels- Insulation keeps your home warmer and reduces energy bills.
⃞ Inspect your attic and walls for adequate insulation. If you feel drafts or notice uneven temperatures, consider adding more insulation. Insulate your attic door or hatch as well. The recommended amount of insulation for most homes is approximately 10-14 inches in your attic.
10. Clean and Inspect Your Sump Pump- Prevent flooding during rain or snow melt.
⃞ Clean the sump pump pit, and test the pump to make sure it’s working properly. Ensure the discharge pipe is clear and directs water away from your home’s foundation.
11. Protect Outdoor Furniture and Equipment- Harsh winter weather and extreme temperatures can damage your outdoor furniture and equipment.
⃞ Store patio furniture, grills, and garden tools in a garage or shed. If you have limited space, cover them with waterproof tarps. Winterize your lawn mower and other maintenance equipment by draining the gas or running it until empty.
12. Inspect Exterior Caulking and Siding- Cracked or damaged siding can let moisture into your home, leading to rot or mold.
⃞ Inspect your home’s siding for damage, such as cracked or broken pieces, and repair or replace any loose or missing sections. Re-caulk around windows and doors on the exterior of your home to prevent drafts and moisture intrusion. If you notice condensation forming on window panes, this is a sign that you have some sort of gap or leak.
13. Check Your Water Heater- Life expectancy of a water heater is 6-10 years. Cold weather can be hard on older water heaters.
⃞ Drain your water heater to remove any sediment buildup, which can reduce efficiency. Check the temperature setting and make sure it’s no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding and save energy. Consider wrapping your water heater with an insulated water heater blanket. This can save you an estimated 7%-16% on water heating costs.
14. Trim Trees and Shrubs- Overhanging branches can cause damage during winter storms.
⃞ Trim any trees and shrubs that hang over your roof or touch your home that could become hazardous under heavy snow or ice. Broken limbs can sometimes cause severe damage to your home, and overhanging branches can cause damage to your roof and siding, which can lead to structural damage.
15. Stock Up on Winter Essentials- Winter storms, including wind, snow, and ice, can cause power outages.
⃞ Ensure snow shovels are in good repair, make sure to carry car emergency kits, stock up on candles, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food for humans and pets, and plenty of fresh water.
16. Install Storm Windows or Insulate Windows- Especially if yours are old or are single-pane, as they can let cold air in and increase heating costs.
⃞ Consider installing storm windows for added protection and insulation. Alternatively, use window insulation film or thermal curtains to keep the heat inside.
17. Inspect Your Driveway and Walkways- Cracks can worsen with freezing temperatures, leading to more damage.
⃞ Repair any cracks in your driveway or walkways, and consider applying a sealer to protect them from moisture and ice.
18. Check for Pests- Rodents, like mice, and insects seek shelter indoors during colder months.
⃞ Seal any cracks, gaps, and small holes in your home’s exterior. Mice can enter your home through surprisingly small spaces! Store firewood away from your home’s foundation to prevent pests from making their way indoors.
This guide will help you ensure that your home is well-prepared for the colder weather, prevent common winter-related problems and maintain a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment. Sometimes, however, even the best prepared homeowner can experience an unexpected emergency that causes flooding, water damage, or mold growth in your home. Smoke and fire damage are also more common in winter months, often from fireplaces.
If Something Does Go Wrong
Best Option Restoration of Colorado Springs specializes in emergency disaster repair services, including water damage repair, smoke and fire damage restoration, odor removal, storm damage repair, sewage backup cleanup, and mold remediation. We’re on call 24/7, because emergencies don’t always happen between 9 and 5. In most cases, we can be on sight within an hour or less.
We work with all insurance companies, including State Farm, USAA, Farmers, and Allstate, and will assist you with filing your claim. Insurance policies can be confusing, but we’re experts when it comes to helping homeowners understand their coverage, correctly filing a claim, and navigating the process. With Best Option Restoration on your side, you can be sure you’ve got a team of professionals behind you focused on one thing- helping you get back to normal as quickly and painlessly as possible!
Trust Best Option Restoration of Colorado Springs to restore your home quickly and efficiently, no matter the emergency. Don’t wait—call us now at (719) 619-8616 for immediate assistance and let our expert team handle the damage, so you can focus on getting back to normal. Contact us today for 24/7 emergency service!
