Do you come out of the winter season with heater troubles, pipe issues, and other problems at home? You may be able to avoid most of these problems by making preparations before cold weather conditions set in. Check out our “winterizing checklist,” where we cover some easy preparations you can make to be winter-ready!
Working Heating System
Make sure your heater is ready to keep interior spaces comfortable warm. Set the thermostat to 80 degrees just for heat testing. You should be able to hear the furnace turn on and have warm air flowing within minutes! If there’s any trouble along the way, you may want an HVAC technician to look at your heating system.
Clog-Free Chimney
If you plan on using your chimney this winter, it’s probably not in your plans to fill up your home with smoke. But if the chimney passage isn’t clear, that exactly what could happen! Be sure that the chimney does not have any bird or squirrel nests. Give the chimney a test run—if you’re still having trouble, it’s best to call an HVAC specialist.
Fully-Functioning Flue Damper
A faulty flue damper can put a damper on the comfort of your home. Check to make sure the device can open and close fully, and can also be locked in both of these positions. If the flue damper is not giving proper air flow for your furnace, boiler, stove, or other equipment, it’s going to cause trouble for you this winter.
Pipe Freeze Prevention
If you have pipe leaks or drains in uninsulated spaces, the winter weather could cause these sections of your piping to freeze, and nothing good comes from that. Check crawlspaces, attics, outside wall fixtures, and other locations. Anywhere you find exposed piping, you’ll want to wrap with electrical heating tape, and then insulate with foam. For areas you can’t reach, an HVAC expert may be able to help!
Leak-Free Doors & Windows
Cracks and air leaks in windows and doors will undo any temperature control you try to use with your heating system. Sealing this leakage in doors and windows can save up to 10% of your home’s heat loss, and it will keep you from expending extra energy trying to regulate temperature imbalances throughout your home.
Check the Roof & Home Exterior
Missing and damaged roof shingles should be replaced to prevent air escape points. You should also check the exterior of your home for air leaks, especially flashes around chimneys and other roof projections. You’ll also want to make sure patio furniture and decks are covered to protect them from the harsh weather—consider adding a fresh coat of sealer!
Want more build/design idea for your Baltimore County home?Contact Post & Beam Design/Build today or schedule an estimate.
Great post! It’s so helpful to understand which remodels actually add value. Not all upgrades pay off the same, so having real data makes a big difference.