Home & Garden
5 Hidden Ways Winter Can Cost You A Fortune
Spending strategically now can save you tons when it comes to getting your home ready for the coldest months of the year.
Winterizing your home is about more than just staying toasty all season. It's about saving your bank account, too.
Emergency heating repairs, fire damage and exploding pipes can cost big bucks — and all can happen if you don't prep your home for winter. Spend wisely and hire a pro to tackle these five tasks before icy temperatures move in.
Find Trusted Home Improvement Pros Near You
Service Your Heating System
Whether you live in a state that gets snow or just slightly chillier temps, the heat is going to be turning on in the winter. Since it probably hasn't been running since last year, be sure it's in good shape to avoid a pricey emergency repair visit when it doesn't pop on during the next winter storm.
First, be sure you know what kind of system heats your humble abode: a boiler or radiator heating system or a furnace or forced air heating system (each system has a different set of things that need to be checked out). Then, hire a professional to come out and do any necessary servicing or repairs.
Find the Right Local Heating Contractor
Seal Your Windows and Doors
It's a no-brainer to keep windows and doors shut on a cold day while the heat is running. But it's just as bad to ignore drafty windows or doors all winter long. The more places cold air can sneak into your house, the more money you're spending to keep things warm.
To eliminate drafts that make your heating system work overtime, be sure your doors and windows are sealed up tight with weather-stripping. The less your heater has to work, the lower that January utility bill is going to be.
Find a Local Weather-Stripping Service
Book a Chimney Inspection
When it's cold out, everyone knows there's no better place to be than hunkered down at home by the fireplace. But did you know the creosote buildup found in unmaintained chimneys is a leading cause of dangerous house fires? Not good.
If you're a fireplace lover come wintertime, don't delay in getting your chimney checked out before you light your first fire. A professional chimney or fireplace inspector will be sure your chimney is safe and ready for roasting chestnuts.
Find a Local Chimney & Fireplace Cleaning Service
Clean Your Air Ducts
Air quality is generally the first thing that comes to mind when talking about air duct maintenance; keeping your ducts clean ensures the air you are breathing is also clean.
But the condition of your home's air ducts also has a big impact on how your heating unit runs in the winter. Warm air will travel better through ducts with no obstructions. Hire a pro to clean your ducts and vents to keep your heating system costs as low as possible.
Find a Local Air Duct Cleaning Service
Prepare Your Sprinklers
Sprinkler winterizing is a must for systems in regions where cold winter weather is likely. Water expands when it freezes, and any water trapped in a sprinkler system will put stress on the plumbing, causing cracking and breakage. If your pipes break, you will have a much more costly problem on your hands.
Many people choose to do this project on their own. But if you do not have a great degree of slope to your land, you will need to buy or rent an air compressor to blow out all the water. In the long run, it may be easier to schedule a pro to get this job done right.
Find a Local Sprinkler Winterization Expert
More Home & Garden:
Home 101: Preparing Your Windows And Doors For Winter
How To Reduce Your Heating Bills (And Still Stay Warm)
How To Get Your Home Ready For The Holidays
The Winter Yard Work Checklist
