Some people dread the coming of winter because it means a cold house, icy streets, expensive energy bills, and drafty windows that seem to suck the warmth right out of your bones.
But what if we told you there were some simple tasks you could take care of now that would make your house warmer, cut down on your energy bills, and make your home more comfortable and safer for the coming winter? Luckily these tasks exist, and this checklist will get you started!
It Can Make Your Brenham, TX House More Efficient
Many of the chores on your winter checklist are about making your house more efficient, and there are many ways you can do this. Here are a few checklist items that will help seal your home, reduce the cold air seeping in, cut down on warm air leaking out, help your furnace run optimally, and make your house more energy-efficient and green:
- Clean or replace your furnace filters every one to three months so your furnace doesn't have to work as hard.
- Cover drafty old windows with heavy-duty plastic sheeting to cut down on cold air coming in through the windows.
- Install weather stripping around your doors, windows, and other access points to prevent cold drafts and warm air from leaking out.
- Install additional insulation on exterior walls, in the attic, and in the basement.
It Can Save You Money
Preparing your house for winter and making it more efficient also have the added benefit of saving you money, and there are a number of ways this happens. For one, when your house is more efficient, you can turn down the furnace and save money on energy bills.
Similarly, when you keep your furnace and HVAC system properly maintained, it will work more optimally and cost less to run. Here are some checklist items that can save you money:
- Have your HVAC and ventilation system inspected by a professional before you turn on the furnace.
- Insulate your water lines with insulating foam sleeves to prevent pipes from freezing, which will save you having to spend money on a plumber or to fix water damage after a burst pipe.
It Can Make Your Family Safer
Finally, winter maintenance can also make you, your family, and visitors safer by keeping the air in the house clean, by preventing injuries from frozen sidewalks, driveways, and even outdoor plumbing systems.
Also, keeping home safety devices in good working order is important, because these can alert you when an emergency happens.
- Keep outdoor air intakes free of ice and snow buildup to keep fresh air coming in.
- Keep outdoor vents free of obstructions to allow moisture from the dryer, bathrooms, and kitchens to escape, which will reduce moisture buildup in the air and prevent mold growth in the house.
- Change or replace your furnace and other air filters regularly to clean the air of dust, dirt, and other particles.
- Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector monthly.
- Change the batteries in your smoke and CO alarms.
- Vacuum or dust home safety devices regularly to keep them clear of dirt and cobwebs.
- Have de-icing salt and shovels on hand to keep walkways clear and prevent falls.
This winter checklist is easy to accomplish, and checking off all the items on the list will result in a more efficient house and furnace, a lower energy bill, and a safer family this winter.
A to-do list may not be your favorite thing in the world, but these checklist items are well worth the minimal time and effort, because they'll give you warmth, money savings, and peace of mind this winter.