Ways To Ready Your Residence For Winter

Whether you embrace the change of seasons or flinch at the mention of cold weather in the forecast, it's time to start thinking about readying your home for winter. There are several things you can do yourself prior to the first winter chill sets in to save on utility bills and keep your house and family protected. 

Furnace repair
Keeping your furnace or heat pump in top condition is crucial during the colder months. To minimize the risk of malfunction, call in a professional heating contractor for a tune up. He'll make sure the unit is clean, switch filters and check for any carbon monoxide leaks. Exchanging an older thermostat with a programmable one is something you can take care of to save on heating costs. For hot, forced-air units, fine-tune dampers to pump more heat to lower levels and away from unused rooms. Outside central air conditioning units should be covered to protect against snow and ice. Window units should be removed or covered with inexpensive, insulated liners to remove drafts.

Windows & Doors
Reducing air leaks around windows and doors will increase comfort and reduce heating bills. Examine and replace any rotted wood frames, add or replace weatherstripping and caulk inside and out. Storm doors and windows should replace screens, and repair or replace any broken glass.

Ceiling Fans
With many houses including paddle fans in their homes to provide a comfy temperature year-round, you'll want to invert the blades to function in a clockwise direction. This will allow the updraft created by the fan to push the warmer ceiling air down, into the room. This will help in areas with cathedral ceilings and may even allow you to reduce the room temperature.

Winter weather can cause havoc on your home and property. By spending a little extra time incorporating these tips into your winter preparation routine, you and your family should be safe and comfy through the worst conditions ahead.

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