Winter is coming, and getting your house ready for the season is about more than checking off a list of tasks. Your winter prep can help reduce your energy bills, improve the efficiency and lifespan of your vital appliances, and make your property safer and more comfortable. Learn how you can take care of your custom home’s winter needs and be ready for whatever the weather brings.
Outdoor Prep
Clean gutters and downspouts
Fall and winter are tough times for gutters, which can be plagued with leaves, dirt, and other debris from the leaves falling and storms. Additionally, watch for ice building up from water that doesn’t completely drain, which can damage your gutters.
Inspect your roof for damaged shingles
Now is the time to make sure your roof is ready to handle the demands of the winter. Make sure there are no shingles that have been damaged, or have come loose, and replace them as soon as possible if necessary.
Check the insulation in the attic
Gaps in your insulation can lead to ice buildup on your roof and higher heating bills during the winter. Have a professional check your insulation coverage before the temperatures drop too low.
Install weather stripping around windows and doors
Tiny air leaks in your doors and windows can wreak havoc on your energy usage. By placing new weather stripping around these areas you can help keep the warm air inside and the cold air outside.
Indoor Prep
Prep your fireplace and inspect/clean the chimney
There’s nothing like settling down in front of a warm, crackling fire on a chilly night, but lighting one before your chimney is inspected and cleaned can be dangerous. Have a professional chimney sweep service your fireplace prior to the start of winter so you can enjoy it all season long.
Have a professional check the heating systems
Much like with your A/C in the summer, the last time you want anything to happen to your HVAC system is when you need the heat to keep your home comfortable.
Reverse your ceiling fans
Reversing the direction of your ceiling fans pushes warm air towards you and promotes improved air flow in your home.
Replace all screen windows/doors with storm windows/doors
The time for enjoying the warm air coming through the screen door is over. Switch to storm doors and windows to use less energy.
When your home is prepared for the winter, you can stay warm and cozy until the spring thaw. The designers and contractors at Ridgeline Construction Group in Greenville have decades of experience helping people looking for a custom home builder create dream houses that are comfortable in every season. Reach out to Ridgeline Construction Group to start turning your vision into a reality.
