Winter has arrived, and we are facing a cold and snowy season. Winter season can result in bursting water pipes, decreased energy efficiency, and other home and property issues. So, what can you do to avoid these problems in winter 2023? Winterize your home to keep it safe, efficient, and warm. Most winterizing tips relate directly to your home's cooling, heating, and plumbing systems. If you need help winterizing your home, reach out to Reitzel Insulation. Here we have compiled some sustainable ways to winterize your home. You can learn more about this by reading on.
Ensure Safety with Smoke Alarms and Detectors
In winter, we tend to use heating appliances excessively and bake more which increases the risk of sudden fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors while winterizing your home. Test the units after replacing the batteries and confirm that they work properly. Finally, buy a fire extinguisher or upgrade your old one to ensure you remain safe this winter season.
Prepare Your Heating Equipment
Preparing your heating system before winter arrives will help you avoid any surprises on that first cold night. Since your furnace, fireplace, or other heating equipment has been dormant all summer, it is better to assess its optimal performance. Call a professional to inspect, clean and tune up the heating equipment at home. A maintenance+ membership is the most affordable way to keep your heating system running smoothly over the years.
Put up Insulating Drapes
Light summery window coverings are ideal for the hot season, but these will not help keep the house warm in winter. You can prepare your home for winter by replacing these drapes with thick and warm ones. If it's a sunny day, pull back the drapes to let the sun's rays warm your home. Do not forget to close the drapes before evening so your house remains insulated against the cold winter night.
Insulate the Pipes
Exposed pipes might freeze and burst when temperatures are at or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit because water expands when it freezes. To avoid this, install spray foam insulation around any plumbing in the garage, crawlspace, or unfinished basement. Seal cracks and openings in walls, attics, basements, and crawlspaces to prevent the cold from reaching the pipes. In extremely cold locations, electric heat tape underneath the insulation offers an additional layer of protection.
Use Spray Foam to Seal Air Leaks
Are your winter heating bills high because your system is overworking? It is time to check your home for air leaks. You can do it yourself or get the help of a professional. The next thing you should do is to get these air leaks sealed. You can improve your home's energy efficiency and keep it warm by sealing leaks with weather stripping, caulk, foam gaskets, and expanding spray foam.
Get Rid of Ice Dams
The formation of ice dams during the winter can cause hidden problems and damage your home. Ice dams are mounds of ice that develop along the eaves and block the flow of melted snow from the roof. Ice dams, if not removed, can let water seep beneath the tiles and harm attic structures. Clean the gutters to allow water to drain effectively and stop the development of ice dams. Furthermore, seal and insulate the attic floor and the ductwork to prevent ice dam formation.
Contact Reitzel Insulation
Reitzel Insulation has extensive experience in insulation and can help you have a warm and energy-efficient home this winter. We serve in Waterloo and surrounding areas. Contact us anytime; our professional insulation contractors would love to answer your queries and help you prepare for winter. Read our article about THE IMPORTANCE OF A PROPERLY INSULATED GARAGE to learn how getting your garage insulated can benefit you.
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