November 25
Monday:
As those cold winds start blowing, it’s time to take some steps to winterize your home. Winterizing your home makes it more energy-efficient, so you can keep your family warm and toasty without breaking the bank on energy bills. In addition to making your home more energy-efficient, winterizing also entails doing small chores that will help prevent damage from snow, ice, and even rainstorms.
Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and heating ducts. Before you turn on that furnace for the first time this winter, have an HVAC professional come check it out and give it a tune-up. They’ll make sure your furnace is running efficiently and safely. During a furnace inspection, the HVAC technician will likely do the following:
Conduct a safety check for carbon monoxide
Clean and replace air filters
Check blower operation
Clean motor and fan
Inspect gas piping to the furnace While the HVAC technician is there, winterize the A/C. Winterizing is easy—just drain any pipes or hoses coming from your air conditioner.
Tuesday:
Trim any nearby trees. If you have tree branches hanging near your roof, windows, or driveway, trim them back. Snow, ice, and even rain with wind may cause them to break. Reverse ceiling fans. Remember, you can use your fans during the winter to keep your house warm. It’s just a simple switch. If you don’t already have ceiling fans, add them to your list of things to purchase. They are an amazing energy saver year-round. Check for leaks around doors and windows and re-caulk or add weather stripping. Wrap outdoor pipes and faucets.
Wednesday:
Replace your furnace filter. A clogged filter reduces airflow and efficiency and may cause a fire. Install storm doors and windows. Wrap your pipes under your home or in the attic. Pipes can even benefit from being encased by a pool noodle or adding insulation. One of the worst disasters associated with Snowmageddon was burst pipes. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and add fresh batteries.
Thursday:
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the day with family and friends, and spend a few minutes encouraging them to prepare. With all the horrible disasters this year, this should not be a difficult discussion to get started.
Friday:
Get your chimney inspected. House fires dramatically increase during the winter months. Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to the formation of ice dams on your roof and, in warmer climates, may cause damage to your roof and eaves.
Saturday:
With the holiday this week, I’m sure you didn’t have time to do everything or even to read all the challenges, so today catch up. Make an appointment with professionals for HVAC, chimney inspection, etc. Purchase supplies and do a few maintenance projects.
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