Just as you pack up your summer clothes in favor of winter pieces, the colder weather calls for a switch in the way you care for your home. Winterizing your home can save you thousands in potential repair costs as well as lower your heating bills for the season. And honestly, most of these items are simple, easy changes! Run through our list below to winterize your home.
1. Reverse Ceiling Fans
During winter, ceiling fans should run with the purpose of distributing the warm air that collects near the ceiling. Run them at a slow pace with the air blowing upwards, which pushes the warm air down the walls so it can circulate throughout the room. The blades should be running clockwise.
2. Clean Vents and Replace Furnace Filters
Your vents should have as much access to open air in your home as possible. Warm air cannot flow efficiently through your home if it’s being blocked by furniture. Give all your vents a thorough dusting and replace your filters to maximize efficiency.
3. Breakout the Blankets
There’s no reason for your thermostat to be set at 80 degrees in the winter. We know you want to be warm, but keeping a furnace running constantly to keep up with your high temperature setting is a no-no. Break out the blankets and keep them easily accessible, and dress for the weather. By this we mean don’t lounge around in underwear, but rather sweat pants and a long sleeve shirt.
4. Blow Out Sprinklers
Sprinklers should be blown out before the first overnight freeze (or shortly there after). Freezing water in the pipes and sprinkler heads can damage the internal parts of the system and even cause cracking in the pipes. Prevent hundreds of dollars worth of damage and get this done ASAP by contacting a lawn care company or renting an air compressor and getting the job done yourself.
5. Close Foundation Vents
In the summer, keeping foundation vents open allows air to circulate underneath your house. This helps keep the crawlspace dry and free of moisture. In the winter, closing these vents is important to prevent pipes from freezing and helps retain heat in the house. Newer vents have a lever to flip, much like floor vents inside, to be flipped to “close.” If you’re having trouble, you can also seal them from the outside with a piece of wood to cover the vent. While you’re there, inspect each vent’s screen/film to make sure critters haven’t decided to make your crawlspace their new home. Super easy!
Remember, if you need referrals for an HVAC company or lawn care service please reach out to Gabriel at (208)972-6240. He will put you in touch with one of Data Driven‘s preferred vendors.
