Winterization Tips You Probably Forgot (But Should Do ASAP!)
The year’s coldest season is here. The chilly weather can bring about various issues when you don’t prepare in advance. From heating bills to frozen pipes, it’s essential to take steps to prevent problems from arising. A few small measures will make a difference.
Here are six tips to help you get your home ready for winter.
1. FLUSH YOUR WATER HEATER
Did you know your water heater collects sediment and particles at the bottom? It’s crucial to remove that gunk so your appliance works more efficiently. You should complete this task yearly to keep maintenance costs low. Luckily, it’s easy enough to do yourself every winter.
You can tackle this project with a few tools in only eight steps. The result is a water heater that runs like new. After all, you don’t want to deal with hot water problems when it’s cold outside.
2. PLUG YOUR CHIMNEY
A fireplace offers a cozy way to stay warm in the winter. But if yours is decorative, you probably don’t think twice about winterizing it. Unfortunately, your chimney lets warm air escape by the second when it’s not in use. That means you need to plug it with something.
You likely already have a chimney cap to keep out rain and animals. Adding a chimney balloon can provide further coverage. These devices are easy to install and remove. If you want a more permanent solution, you can have a professional install a damper.
3. CLEAN AND COVER PATIO FURNITURE
If you won’t be using your outdoor furniture until spring, set aside a few hours to clean everything before stowing it away for the next several months. Clean and dry the furniture. Then, you can cover it with tarps to ensure further protection.
If you plan to put your chairs and tables inside your garage, it’s smart to practice proper garage maintenance to keep everything safe and sound. You may even want to consider investing in an insulated garage door to protect your belongings from damage caused by the cold.
4. EMPTY YOUR DRYER VENT
The dryer vent is one of the most overlooked spaces in the home. It’s crucial to clean out your dryer vent to avoid wasting money and energy — and to prevent fires. There’s a significant chance you’re going to run your dryer more often in the winter. Taking the time to remove this dusty buildup will get you through the colder months safe and sound.
5. APPLY A COAT OF SEALANT
What does the weather forecast look like? You should take advantage of mild, dry days to apply a new coat of sealant to your deck. The next few months of cold weather will wreak havoc on unprotected wooden surfaces — and you want to avoid moisture problems at all costs. A good rule of thumb is to reapply sealant every year to keep everything properly preserved.
6. REVERSE EACH ROOM’S FANS
Reversing your ceiling fans can prevent warm air from escaping through your roof. These fans traditionally spin counterclockwise to circulate cool air throughout your home in the summer. You can change that to make things more comfortable in the winter.
If you switch your fans to a clockwise motion, you’ll be able to make the warm air sit in the room where you can enjoy it.
TRY THESE TRICKS TO WINTERIZE YOUR HOUSE
The cold weather can be tough to handle when you don’t take precautions. Use these suggestions to get your property ready for the winter. Act sooner rather than later, so you’re ready for chillier days.
Rose Morrison is a freelance writer who covers home improvement and maintenance topics. She is also the managing editor of Renovated.