Winter in the Northeast means ice, snow, and gusts of cold air. But with a little preparation, your living space can stay warm and safe all winter long! Follow our tips below to winterize your home for cold weather:
1. Seal Your Windows
Inefficient seals can cause cold air to seep into your home. Luckily there are several easy fixes! We recommend starting by sealing any cracks with caulk or weather strip tape. Finish off by adding insulated window treatments or window insulation film to help stop silly drafts.
2. Check Your Doors for Additional Drafts
Doors are another culprit for letting cold air in. Just as with your windows, seal any gaps with caulk, draft guards or door sweeps.
3. Have Your Heating System Serviced
It’s recommended that your heating system is serviced once a year and before winter starts is the ideal time! This way, any problems can be solved before you need to heat your house.
4. Flush Your Water Heater
You may not think of your water heater as a way to winterize your home, but let us ask you this: how much do you value a hot shower on a cold winter’s day? Exactly.
Particles can settle in the bottom of your water heater, rendering it less effective. Flush out any sediment through the drain valve to keep it running at its best!
5. Reverse Your Ceiling Fan
You might consider your ceiling fan a summer fixture, but it can help in the winter, too! Reverse the direction of the blades to counter-clockwise and hot air will be forced down from the top of the room.
6. Get the Exterior in Gear
It is just as important to prepare the outside of your home as is it the inside. Icy steps can be dangerous. Double-check that your handrails are secure! Don’t forget to stock up on rock salt and have your shovel at the ready!
7. Check Your Chimney
Having your chimney cleaned and inspected every year is vitally important! Animal nests, deterioration, build up and more can create hazards.
Taking these simple steps to winterize your home will help keep you cozy and safe all winter long.
Amber Rolfe is a Marketing Associate at AAA Hudson Valley.
