How to Prepare for The First Winter in Your New Home
How to Prepare for The First Winter in Your New Home
The first winter in your new home can be an exciting time. You’ve just moved into your dream home, and now it’s time to start making it your own. However, the cold weather brings with it its own set of challenges. The good news is you can prepare beforehand so that winter doesn’t catch you off guard. Preparing for winter means taking care of the roof, heat pump, insulation, and other things that can make your Winter occupancy comfortable. Here are some ideas:
Service Your HVAC System
Check your heating system before the first cold snap. This will help ensure that everything is working properly and there are no issues with the system before Winter. Here’s how to maintain your HVAC system:
- Inspect the system’s filters. A thorough cleaning is just fine, but you should replace them at least three times per year.
- Clean the filter grill for dirt and debris that can lead to clogging and poor airflow.
- Check for leaks in the ductwork
- Remove rust and dirt from the furnace flue
Some areas of your furnace may require professional inspection, but these tips from Mister Quik Home Services, for instance, will give you an idea of what to do.
Check for Drafts
Drafts can cause cold spots in your home, which can increase the chances of mold and mildew. They also allow heat to escape, causing the HVAC system to work harder than it should. This increases your heating bills. In case you find any drafts, weatherstripping is a cheap and easy fix. It’s also an attractive upgrade for your home, so ensure you apply it to your windows and doors.
Insulate Water Pipes
Water pipes are the most likely to freeze, and they can also be a source of leaks if they aren’t insulated properly. If you have old or improperly installed plumbing in your home, insulation is an easy way to prevent damage from freezing and bursting pipes. You can do this yourself with materials like bubble wrap or foam pipe insulation—just cut it into pieces large enough for the circumference of your pipe. Then wrap each piece around it so that it covers up the pipes and any holes in them.
Clean the Gutters
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Remove Leaves, twigs, and debris from gutters. This will help prevent winter ice from clogging your gutter system and causing damage to your home. It’s also important to clean out the gutter on each level of your house so that rainwater flows freely. To do this, use a ladder to reach up high enough onto your roof. Next, use rakes or brooms, brushes, vacuums, etc., to remove any material that may be in the gutters. Don’t forget to use gloves.
Check the Insulation
It’s important to ensure your home is well insulated, especially if you’re looking for a good way to reduce your energy bill. You can install insulation in the following ways:
- Adding insulation to the attic or walls (this is the most common method).
- Spraying in or putting batts inside of gaps between floors and on walls and ceiling.
Conclusion
The best way to prepare is by doing it yourself and in advance. You don’t want to experience a duct leak at the climax of winter. Fortunately, the above easy ideas will help you prepare adequately before winter. Remember, Winter is as exciting as owning a new home, and it’s even more exciting if your home is fully prepared for it.
