WINTERIZING YOUR HOME
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INSULATION
The first step to prepare your home for winter is to keep out the cold with proper insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. You can block cold air by caulking your windows with insulating foam sealant. Likewise, it is advisable to inspect the attic for openings that allow heat loss.
FURNITURE
Protect your furniture and other items from cold. Indeed, low temperatures, snow, and ice can damage your outdoor furniture and grills. The best place to store these items is the garage or basement. Cover your grill before putting it away from the outdoor air.
GEAR UP Remember that harsh winters can cause traffic restrictions. Therefore, you must afford to respond by stocking up on your necessities and making essential purchases for long periods between shopping trips.
Energy Savings Adding insulation to your water heater tank can reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45%. Water heater blankets can contribute to overall energy savings in your home in the range of 7 to 16 percent. If you have furnaces, change filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase the energy demand of your appliance. You must replace filters at least every three months.
Protect the Pipes According to experts on HOA management in Raleigh, NC, it is advisable to protect your pipes from the cold by insulating them, even if you are not expecting a severe winter. Also, when the temperature drops, you must keep some water running in a few faucets to prevent your plumbing system from freezing and bursting.
Ice damming on the roof is a common problem during cold days. In this sense, you must reduce the risk of ice dams forming. Heat loss from a house is the primary cause of ice damming. When the snow on the roof surface is above freezing level, it melts, and water flows down the roof. Next, when it freezes again, this causes the ice dam. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct a blower door test to evaluate how airtight your house is.
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