The first day of winter is December 21st and, here in Massachusetts, it is time to get your home ready for the cold months ahead.
Here are some tips that will help get you and your home ready for the cold weather:
Clean your gutters
By cleaning your gutters you ensure that melting ice and snow can drain. This is your first line of defense against the dreaded ice dams. An ice dam is when when water backs up, freezes, melts and causes water to seep into the house causing lots of damage to ceilings, walls and floors. As you clean the gutters, look for leaks, misaligned pipes, and make certain downspouts carry water away from the home.
Repair drafty areas
The most common, drafty areas of your home are: recessed lighting, window and door frames, electrical outlets.
Put door sweeps under exterior doors and caulk drafty spots around window and recessed lighting. Outside, seal leaks with weather-resistant caulk or, for brick areas, use masonry sealer.
Insulate
Add insulation to existing insulation in the attic. The general rule of thumb is you need a minimum 12 inches of insulation in your attic.
Have your furnace inspected
After you’ve turned on the heat, it’s important to have furnaces cleaned and tuned annually.
Check the windows
It’s time to take out the window screens and put in the storm windows, providing you with an extra layer of protection and warmth.
If you do not have storm windows, try a window insulator kit. Insulator kits are inexpensive and very effective for keeping the heat inside your home.
Have your chimney inspected
Chimneys should be inspected annually. Woodstoves should be cleaned more than once a year. Also remember to keep the chimney’s damper closed when the fireplace isn’t in use.
Reverse your ceiling fan
Reversing the ceiling fan will push warm air downward and force it to recirculate, keeping you more comfortable. Note: when in reverse, the ceiling fan blades should turning clockwise.
Insulate your pipes
Burst pipes are a consumer and insurance nightmare. Prevent burst pipes making sure outside valves are turned off and pipes are insulated.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
It’s always a great time to check the operation of your smoke and carbone monoxide detectors. When winterizing your home, take the opportunity to test your alarms.