Winter Is Coming: How to Prepare Your House for Cold Weather

Cold weather, ice, and snow can cause a lot of damage to your house, should you neglect to prepare for it. Luckily, it’s never too late to “winterise” your home by giving it some TLC and putting your DIY skills to good use. Things such as ordering a roof inspection and checking your AC units won’t take you much time but will undoubtedly bring great results. 

Continue reading the article below to learn more about simple tasks you can complete to prepare your house for the cold weather ahead…

Get Your Roof Inspected

Roofing is a significant investment, and you may want to get it inspected before the winter season comes. Many homeowners are oblivious to the fact that their roofs are in bad condition, but a simple inspection will tell you all about the current state of your roofing.

If you discover that you have to replace the roof or repair some parts, make sure to do so right away so you have enough time before the snow falls. Roofs provide crucial protection from the cold and rain, but even small cracks and other damage can turn into serious leaks if you allow them to stay unattended during the cold weather. 

To avoid dealing with extensive damage and costly repairs in the future, call in a professional and have your roof inspected before winter arrives.

Check Your AC Unit

Even though this may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when preparing for winter, now is the perfect time to ensure your AC is ready for the next year. The outside condensing units often get overlooked, but if you want to keep your home’s heating and cooling systems running efficiently, you definitely shouldn’t neglect to check yours any longer.

Start by cleaning your AC unit off any debris that may have accumulated inside or near it. All you need to do is remove the bigger pieces, such as piles of leaves or big lumps of mud. Then, you can take a garden hose and spray the whole unit until it’s nice and clean again. 

Remember to let it completely dry before you cover it up for the winter. Your cover should be breathable and waterproof. While you’re cleaning the outside unit, you may also want to check the air filter to ensure it’s clean and that it will work properly.

Check Your House for Drafts

All it takes is a little time and effort to make sure extra heat doesn’t come out of your windows. Check for leaks and drafts in the most vulnerable parts of your house, such as the attic, basement, windows, and doors. You can do this by walking around with a lit candle – if the flame flickers, it means there is a draft. 

This will help you find the places where air escapes from your home and cause your electricity bills to go up. To prevent any possible damage caused by the cold weather, make sure to seal those cracks and holes with caulk, put weather stripping around your doors and windows, and insulate your walls with spray foam insulation.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Your ceiling fan is a great way to keep your home cool, but did you know it’s also a great way to help you save money on your electricity bill? In the summer, reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so that the blades move counter-clockwise. This will force the hot air down and out through the gaps in your windows rather than having it circulate around your home.

When winter comes, turn the direction of your ceiling fans clockwise to push warm air down. This way, you’ll keep the warm air circulating and use the heat more efficiently, which is a great way to minimize energy costs. Regardless of whether you have rooms with high ceilings, reversing your fans in the winter is always a good idea.

In Conclusion

Winter is upon us, and it’s time for homeowners to winterise their houses. These are a few simple steps you can take to make your home safe and secure against the cold weather. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, which is why it’s important to do all you can to make your home as safe as possible. 

You can start preparing by having your roof inspected. Then, make sure to check, clean, and secure your AC unit, so it can serve you well during the winter and for the rest of the year. Check your house for drafts and seal them so no cold air gets inside. Additionally, you can reverse your ceiling fans, so the air circulates more efficiently.