With winter fast approaching, it’s important that you take some time to get your home ready for the wild weather ahead. Contrary to popular beliefs, we do have some seriously wild weather here in Birmingham. Our winters switch from mild and pleasant, to our secondary tornado season, to a foot of snow on the ground in a blink of an eye. The good news is that preparing your home for winter can be done quite easily and without the need to spend a lot of money. Here are a few simple and effective ways to make sure that your home is in top shape for the winter months.
Install Door Sweeps
Door sweeps are strips of rubber that are installed on the bottoms of doors in order to maintain an airtight seal from outside weather. If you already have door sweeps on the doors of your home, check them to ensure that they have not been damaged. Replace any sweeps that have cracks or tears.
Check Your Trees
Make a visual inspection of all trees that are in close proximity to your home. Cut down or trim back any branches that could reach your home should they become heavy with either snow and ice and fall, or get buffeted by wild winds, either way the end result is less than desirable.. Unless you have the experience to do so safely, you will likely need the help of a professional tree service do so this. The cost of professional help is minuscule compared to the effects of a tree damaging your home.
Replace Furnace Filters
Many people don’t pay attention to the condition of their furnace filter, which ends up costing them a lot over time. Get in the habit of checking your furnace filter before and throughout the winter. Even a slightly dirty filter can substantially increase heating costs, especially during a cold winter. Plus, dirty filters put a real burden on your system, shortening both its effectiveness and its life.
Check Your Attic for Leaks
Heat rises, making is vitally important that your attic is airtight. Losing heat through attic leaks can cost you hundreds of dollars in fuel over the course of a winter season. Sealing air leaks can be a simple DIY project that requires only a little time and some caulking, yet it can make a substantial impact in your home’s level of winter preparedness.
These are just a few of the many ways that you can get your home ready for the upcoming winter weather. By sealing attic leaks, installing door sweeps, replacing furnace filters and making sure that no fallen tree limbs will threaten your home, you’ll be able to enjoy a warm, comfortable living space that is completely safe from the elements.
I hope all the spiders in my attic are dead so I can go up there and check for leaks.