Useful Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter

As winter rapidly approaches, many homeowners prepare their homes for colder weather. While some of this may seem common sense, there are a few tips and tricks that can make the process a little bit easier – and could save you some money in the long run. Let’s explore a few of the most useful tips for preparing your home for winter. Keep reading to learn more!

Invest In A Fireplace Or Wood Stove

If you don’t already have a fireplace or wood stove, now may be the time to invest in one. Not only will this provide a great source of heat during the winter months, but it can also be used as a backup heat source in case your furnace goes out. If you’re going to be using a fireplace or wood stove regularly, it’s important to have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually to prevent any accidents. An even better option is fireplaces that use electricity – they’re much easier to maintain and don’t require a chimney. In addition to investing in a fireplace or wood stove, you should also make sure that you have plenty of firewood on hand. If you live in an area where snow is common, it’s a good idea to keep your firewood elevated off the ground so that it doesn’t get wet. You should also store your firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent it from rotting.

Install Storm Windows

If you don’t have storm windows installed in your home, now is the time to do so. Storm windows provide an extra layer of protection against the cold weather and can help reduce your energy bills by keeping heat from escaping through your windows. If you live in an older home, you may need to have custom storm windows made. However, there are also many different kits available that make it easy to install storm windows yourself. For example, the Pella Select Storm Window Installation Kit comes with everything you need to install two storm windows and costs around $60.

• To install storm windows, start by removing the screens from your existing windows. Next, measure the inside width of the window opening and cut the storm window to size. It’s important to make sure that the storm window is slightly smaller than the opening so that it will fit snugly in place. Once the storm window is cut to size, apply a bead of caulk around the perimeter of the window opening. Then, set the storm window in place and use weatherstripping to seal any gaps around the edges. Finally, use screws or clips to secure the storm window in place. 

Insulate Your Home

Another great way to prepare your home for winter is to insulate it. This will help keep heat from escaping, which can save you money on your energy bills. There are many different ways to insulate your home, but one of the easiest is to use spray foam insulation. This type of insulation can be applied directly to walls, ceilings, and floors and doesn’t require any special tools or equipment. It’s also relatively inexpensive, costing around $0.60 per square foot. For comparison, fiberglass batts cost around $0.40 per square foot, and blown-in cellulose costs around $0.50 per square foot.

• To insulate your home with spray foam insulation, start by measuring the area that you want to insulate. Then, cut the insulation to fit the space and attach it to the walls, ceiling, or floor with adhesive tape or screws. Once the insulation is in place, use a utility knife to cut any excess material away. Finally, apply a layer of drywall over the insulation to protect it from moisture and pests.

Replace Your HVAC Filter

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for winter is to replace your HVAC filter. This will help ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and can help prevent any problems that might occur during the colder months. It’s a good idea to check your HVAC filter every month and replace it as needed. However, if you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollen, you may need to replace your filter more often.

Making your home warm this winter is important to protect yourself and your family from the cold weather. There are many different ways to winterize your home, but some of the most important include installing storm windows, insulating your home, and replacing your HVAC filter. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your home is ready for whatever winter throws your way.