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Care for one's home becomes a vital matter during winter to ensure that the house remains safe and in order for the months that are going to be spent indoors. Lowering temperatures will expose one's household to an avalanche of challenges ranging from pipes bursting due to freezing to mechanical failure of the heating system. Some things become must-haves at home when it comes to surviving winter. Whether it's making the house more energy-efficient or protecting your property, these winter must-haves will keep your home running smoothly all season long.
Insulated Windows and Doors
Come winter, insulated windows and doors become essential to keep cold air at bay while keeping warm air inside. Poor insulation around the windows and doors could mean serious heat loss, higher energy bills, and a living space not as comfortable as it should be. Consider replacing old windows with double-glazed ones or adding weather stripping to doors. This may make quite a difference in keeping the right temperature inside your home.
Heating System Checkup
Before the winter chills set in, have your heating system tuned up. A faulty furnace or heater can make your home a nightmare. Schedule a furnace check-up to ensure that your system operates at peak performance. The furnaces work harder in cities like Ottawa; therefore, regular maintenance is highly needed to keep them running during the winter months. A service technician for a furnace in Ottawa can clean filters, check for leaks, and make the necessary adjustments so that a breakdown does not occur when you need the heat most.
Sump Pump Maintenance
Winter often brings heavy snow and rain, which can lead to flooding in your basement. To prevent water damage, make sure your sump pump is in good working condition. It’s a good idea to inspect the pump before the season begins, clearing any debris and ensuring the discharge pipe is unobstructed. A working sump pump can protect your home from the costly consequences of water damage during winter storms.
Cleaning Gutters
Everything from water damage to ice dams can be caused by clogged gutters. So, before winter really sets in, take some time to clean out those gutters and downspouts so melting snow and rainwater can flow freely without any backup that can damage your home's exterior. Gutter cleaning is rather easy but an essential task to maintain your home during the colder months.
Space Heaters
The heaters provide a wonderful supplementary method for gaining extra heat in the specific area of a room. It might be extra warmth that you may require in your office, living, or bedrooms. Such portable space heaters could be extremely comfortable for one and will keep the heating bills from increasing unnecessarily. Ensure safety with automatic shut-off models and ensure all precautionary tips while handling these gadgets.
Winter-Proof Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes are a very real problem when the weather starts to cool. Insulate any exposed pipes, particularly in unheated areas such as attics or cellars. You can buy foam pipe insulation to wrap around your pipes or heat tape to keep them from freezing. If you live in extremely cold countries, let the faucets drip overnight to reduce the chances that the pipes freeze and burst.
Emergency Kit
Winter storms have the potential to bring power outages or other forms of emergencies. This is something in which a preparedness kit may come in quite handy. Your kit should include essential items such as flashlights, batteries, non-perishable foods, bottled water, blankets, and first-aid equipment. These kinds of items could provide peace of mind and offer protection in case there is a winter emergency.
Snow Removal Equipment
If you live in an area that has heavy snowfall, it is necessary to have the right equipment for snow removal. A snow shovel or a snow blower can make clearing your driveway and sidewalks much easier. In addition, keep plenty of ice melt or sand on hand to prevent ice from building up on walkways, which can be hazardous. Be sure to keep your tools in good working order to avoid delays when you need them most.
Proper Insulation in the Attic
We all know how much attic insulation can affect comfort inside the house. Poor insulation results in wasted heat released through the roof, hence higher heating costs and a less comfortable home. Insulate your attic to prevent heat loss and assure energy efficiency. Not only will your home be a lot warmer with less energy being used, but a drafty home or over-working heating system just might improve with a little more insulation in the attic.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
As the weather outside cools down, your heating system kicks on more frequently, and so does the risk of carbon monoxide buildups. There should be working carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home, especially near sleeping areas and near the furnace. Be sure to check the batteries and replace the detectors as needed every five to seven years. These life-saving detectors warn you of deadly levels of carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas.
Conclusion
Winterizing your home involves a lot more than just turning up the heat. Making sure your heating system is ready to go to protecting your pipes from freezing are just some of the tasks to be attended to before cold weather sets in. Items like insulated windows, a clean furnace, and an emergency kit are just a few of the key components of a well-prepared home. Taking care of these 10 essential things will get you a warm, safe, and efficient home for the entire winter. Be it the warmth of staying cozy or avoiding expensive repairs, preparing the home for winter is an investment in comfort and peace of mind.
Authors Bio: Sierra Powell
Sierra Powell graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in Writing. When she's not writing, she loves to cook, sew, and go hiking with her dogs.
