Winter is almost here and with winters come plunging temperatures and days that are shorter. Such weather gives anyone the craving to relax and curl up cozily beside the fireplace. Preparing for winter a few days in advance is always a wise decision as it helps you to minimize your utility bills and prevent any malfunctions at the last minute. Before winter sets in it is essential that you are fully prepared to protect your house from potential damage and take care of energy and heat leakages.
Get your fireplace ready
Before you get your chestnuts for roasting and savoring you must get your fireplace ready. Get a flashlight and check the inside area for any build-ups or a bird’s nest or risky cracks. On the outer surface, check for any crumbling mortar or broken bricks. Make sure that the damper is fully functional and seals perfectly. Once this is done get some stock of wood and you are ready to enjoy a comfortable cozy winter season.
Brace up for the winter storm
In order to make sure that a snow storm does not leave you in a panic stricken situation you must have a full fledged emergency kit ready at all times. The basic items in you kit should be a flashlight with extra batteries, some candles with matchsticks, some warm clothes, few blankets and some food items that are non perishable. Also make sure that you have the essential medicines stocked at your place. Groceries and other supplies which can meet at least three days; requirement should be present at your home.
Sealing the windows tightly
Seal you windows to make sure that the heat stays in and consequently your energy bills stay low. Start by fixing the cracks using waterproof sealants. Using caulk is light on your pockets and the application is easy. Use a thin plastic film to cover your windows as this will give you a double layer of protection. Use a waterproof tape to fix it to the windows firmly. The film is easily available i any hardware store and is extremely cheap.
Get a full check up of your heating mechanism
Before winter sets in make sure that your heating system is ready for the harsh weather. Get a professional check up of the system and make sure that everything is functioning properly before you start using it. Regular checks for the ventilation system, chimney and the furnace are highly recommended throughout the winter season.
Clean the gutters
Blocked gutters pose as an obstacle to the drainage of rain water and the melting snow which results in damage to your landscape and the foundation. Before winter is here you must grab a garbage bag and a pair of rubber gloves and remove everything like leaves, twigs and any other material that can obstruct the drainage from the gutter. Once you are done with the cleaning make sure that every down pipe is clear and then check the entire system by one run of water through it. The entire network must be free of leakages as this can cause you serious trouble and discomfort later in the season.
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