Remember When the Cold of Winter Comes from Lord of the Rings? It’s that time of the year again. That time when temperatures plunge and the days grow shorter.
As the coldness creeps in and you prepare to turn on the heat, it is but a good idea to protect the home itself from potential damage by taking care of heat and energy leaks. It may also be a good time to check the foundations of your house. If you have concerns with your home’s foundation, a place like www.thefoundationexperts.com can be helpful.
Here are some basic tasks that will ensure you stay warm, safe and save energy this winter.
Seal the Windows
Ensure drafty windows are sealed to keep heat in and reduce the energy bill with either or both of these two tips.
First, caulk the cracks. Caulking is cheap and easy to apply.
Second, you could cover the windows using a thin plastic film, while taping it down using waterproof double-sided tape. You can heat the edges with a hairdryer as you tape. When the outside temperatures rise, you can just peel the film off and open the window. In addition, if you notice cracks on the window, make sure to have a residential window replacement immediately. Companies like Bordner Home Improvement can help you replace your windows and ensure your home is ready for the winter weather.
Prepare your Hearth for Fire
Get a flashlight and peep inside the fireplace for obvious cracks, build-up or bird nests. Also, you should check the outside for crumbling mortar and broken bricks, or anything like that. Check that the damper opens, shuts and seals tightly. Don’t forget to clean out the ashes as well.
If you find it too much work for you, you can have the chimney professionally cleaned, or repaired with chimney repairs in dublin services, They offer chimney repairs dublin, chimney installation, chimney stack repairs etc. Remember to make hay while the sun shines – stock up on firewood and kindling.
Clear out the Gutters and Prepare the Roof
As autumn comes to a close, grab a ladder, rubber gloves, a garbage bag and dig in. Remove all forms of dirt, from leaves to twigs to caked-in dirt. Ensure that the downpipes are clear of any obstruction. Contact a roof contractor if you need some professional help. Professional roofing contractors can provide residential roofing services as well as check out your roof.
Pad your Pipes
A small frozen pipe can cause disaster should it burst, so it is advisable to pad your pipes to prevent floods. By so doing, you will be preventing substantial water damage and conserving energy at the same time. These expert plumbers can help check your sewer lines as it may need sewer line repair before it gets too cold. You may use Mac-Vik Plumbing and Heating to improve your plumbers in denver.
Heating Maintenance
Have a professional heating contractor come in and give your heating system a thumbs up before you turn it on. If your heating systems are overworking, replace the batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If the water heater units need to be checked, then contact a water heater repair service. If you need appliance repair services, contact a handyman in your area for a quick fix.
Prepare for Winter Storm
It is never a bad idea to be on the safe side in case of a snow storm. Always make it a point of having a well-stocked kit for the emergencies. These include a flashlight, batteries, matches, candles, a lighter, blankets; warm clothes even.
If you live in areas perennially hit by blizzards, you can even stock up on non-perishable foods, water, baby formula, medicine and a first-aid kit. These supplies should be able to last you at least three days. Nature can be unforgiving, and the greatest favor you could do yourself (save for relocating) is to equip yourself for such calamities. For you never know when it’s going to come. If you’ve been hit and need help with damage claims, visit sites like lmrpublicadjusters.com/water-damage/.
Keep warm this season and good luck!