Don’t let this colder weather get you down. Instead, face it head-on and be ready for anything that is thrown your way! Centerville Heating & Cooling knows the importance of being prepared for whatever the season may bring. You can stay several steps ahead of any problems with your furnace and keep your home heated. If you run through these tips and tricks our professionals suggest to help winterize your home, you will have it prepped and ready to deter any potential disasters.
Inspect the Insulation
Where should we start when winterizing our homes? Let’s start at the top! The most efficient area to insulate is the attic. Sadly, most homes do not have the adequate insulation required to keep the house heated. Typically, an attic should have around 10-14 inches layers. (This pertains to crawl spaces too!) A properly insulated attic will keep the warm air in the rooms below from creeping up and escaping out of the attic.
Caulk Any Cracks
Start your winterizing checklist by inspecting your house for any cracks or openings where warm air might escape out. Next, pay attention to the windows, doors, and hose faucets. These are where gaps are likely to be lurking. Start with the outside first, then make your way to the interior. It is always good to do any exterior projects first, then move to the inside as the cold weather increases and becomes more unbearable with time. Finally, we suggest using a high-quality caulk or sealant to fill any holes or gaps.
Fresh Filters are a Must
The simplest way to get your home winter-ready is as easy as changing out your furnace filter. Easy peasy! Filters should be changed roughly every 60 days during the winter months. Clogged filters will block airflow and overworks the furnace. And if you haven’t yet, our NATE- certified technicians highly recommend having your furnace tune-up and safety check done.
Protect Those Pipes
Now think about your plumbing. When water freezes, it expands. As a resident of Ohio, it would be a good idea to consider wrapping your pipes with insulation. This provides an extra layer of protection to keep your pipes from freezing, or worse, bursting. Also, don’t forget to turn off your water line that goes to your hose spigots.
Freshen Up the Fireplace
You can’t have chestnuts roasting by the open fire if your fireplace isn’t ready for the winter season. Creosote build-up and animal nests are pretty common issues that come with fireplaces. These can be a hazard if neglected. Keep in mind that soot and build-up occur all along the insides of your chimney. You can schedule a professional chimney sweep to clean your chimney before its first winter use. Don’t forget to clean out the firebox from last year’s ashes, either!
Hopefully, these points have helped you think and plan accordingly. We want the best for you and your family! Your furnace should be running at its best capacity and working efficiently, so if you notice that your HVAC system doesn’t seem to be keeping your house cozy and warm, give us a call today!
Call Centerville Heating & Cooling today at (937) 353-1169, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
