How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Winter is fast upon us, and as the chill begins to settle in and take hold, we want you to be as prepared as possible. Here are some winter tips homeowners can use to “winterize” their homes!

Winter Preparation Tips for Homeowners

With forecasters predicting an exceptionally cold winter this year, now, more than ever, it is important for homeowners to take steps to make sure their homes are prepared for the frigid winter months ahead. Not only will it help keep you and your family comfortable, but it will also save you money in monthly utility bills!

Winter Tips for Windows

Of all the areas you can winterize in your home, windows are one of the most effective in terms of reducing energy waste and keeping your home warm. Add to this the fact that preparing windows for winter is relatively cheap compared to readying other areas of your home, and it is a no brainer that – if nothing else – you should at the very least add windows to your winter to-do list.

The easiest window fix you can implement is to apply window caulking anywhere you feel a draft or air leak. This is a simple step most homeowners can undertake and will work wonders for your energy conservation efforts as it helps stop warm air from leaking out of the home.

Another possible cause of air leaks in a house is cracked windows and broken glass. Not only is this a no-no for a winterized home, it is also a safety issue. If you have a chipped or damaged window, get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Finally, weatherstripping is used to seal windows and doors and over time, can wear away and become less effective at preventing leaks. Inspect your window weatherstrip and if it needs replacing, be sure to add it to your winter preparation to-do checklist.

Preparing Your HVAC for Winter

As you may suspect, your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is a pivotal piece of the puzzle in terms of readying your home for winter. As winter edges closer, HVAC contractors, understandably, get increasingly busy. Because of this, the sooner you consult an HVAC professional to help with your winter preparations, the better.

One of the easiest – and cheapest – ways to increase your HVAC unit’s efficiency is to change the air filter. This simple step not only makes the unit work better, but increases its life expectancy and reduces your energy bills at the same time. Ideally, you should change your air filter every month, particularly during winter months, when your unit will be under additional stress.

Another simple, yet effective way to make sure your heating system is functioning at full capacity is to schedule a check-up and HVAC maintenance appointment with your local heating and air-conditioning contractor. Much like a car or truck, HVAC systems require routine preventative maintenance to help them perform on all gears. The cost is fairly inexpensive and you will recoup your minimal investment tenfold with monthly utility savings and longer lifespan of your equipment.

Winter Preparation in Gainesville, Georgia

If you need help preparing your home for winter or would like a consultation from North Georgia’s premier home remodeler, contact Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling and see how we can help!

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