Preparing Your Home for Winter
Fall is here and winter is quickly on the way, making now the best time to winterize your home before the real cold weather kicks in. Whether you have a custom home plan in Oklahoma City, OK or you’re working with something more standard, your home and environment can be greatly improved by following a few basic maintenance tips:
Tune up your heating system: Before you start using your heater for the winter, check it to make sure everything is in working order. Change or clean filters if needed, and if there are any problems, it’s time to call the professionals.
Reverse your ceiling fans: Reversing your ceiling fans can help direct the warm air, which rises to the ceiling, back down so that it circulates and helps you stay comfortable and save on energy bills.
Fight ice dams: Ice dams occur when melted water backs up and accumulates around your home (often on the roof or in the gutters), which can cause problems when it melts. Call a contractor to check on air leaks or inadequate insulation in your attic.
Check the roof and clean the gutters: Before it starts raining and snowing regularly, get upon the roof to check for missing shingles that could lead to disastrous leaks. If you find any, call a roofing professional to take care of the issues. You should also clean your rain gutters, making sure there are no obstructions. If you don’t already have downspouts installed, this is a good time to do so. Make sure they direct water three to six feet past the foundation.
Seal your windows and doors: Tackle drafty doors and windows by using caulk to seal up any gaps or other areas of concern.
Drain exterior faucets and lawn irrigation systems: The cold weather will cause your exterior plumbing to freeze and potentially crack, which can damage your home and foundation. Drain them, and if your faucets aren’t already frost-resistant, turn them off at the inside shutoff valve.
Sweep your chimney: Planning on running your fireplace this season? Now is the time to have your chimney cleaned to remove any dirt or debris that could send toxic smoke back into your home.
With some easy maintenance, your home will remain the home of your dreams all winter long.
Get help designing custom homes in Oklahoma City, OK
When you have a custom home plan in Oklahoma City, OK, you can streamline what it will take to winterize your home. Whether you live close to our office or anywhere in the United States, Perry House Plans would be happy to meet with you or consult with you online via live chat, email or telephone. We’ll review your ideas and provide a free estimate for what it would cost to design your custom floor plans. At Perry House Plans, we do it all, from complete designs for an entire house to custom floor plans for an extension, expanded living room, new kitchen and more. We make it our mission to help you manifest your dream home.
Categorised in: Home Design, Home Foundation, Outdoor Living