CAN YOUR HOME WITHSTAND WEATHER CHANGES?

Top 5 Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Winterizing your home could save you and your family from quite a few headaches in the coming months. Remember: whether or not temperatures drop below freezing your home’s plumbing system is at risk for damage. Here is a look at some steps that you can take to protect your property and your family this fall and winter.

1. Check the Entry Points

Entry points are notoriously inefficient when it comes to keeping a home warm during the winter. Openings under doors, unused vents, and cracks around windows can increase your heating bills by as much as 70 percent during the coldest months of the year. Caulking can be used to seal up cracks and holes while a draft blocker will keep cold air from entering under a door.

2. Inspect Rain Gutters, Downspouts, and the Roof

Any damage to your roof, rain gutters, or downspouts can be disastrous during the wet season. Every homeowner should make a point of checking these areas at least a few times a year, especially before the fall and winter seasons. Your roof should have no broken shingles while the rain gutters and downspouts should have no debris inside them. One simple way to inspect your roof is to stand in the attic during the middle of the day and look for any pinholes of light coming through.

3. Look for Signs of Moisture

Any signs of moisture or standing water must be treated well before winter. These leaks can become much worse when the weather changes and temperatures drop. Some of the places that you will want to check include your basement, the ground along the outside of your home, and the cupboards below any faucets. A plumber should be called immediately if you find any signs of mold, mildew, or moisture.

4. Avoid Plumbing Freezes

After the pipes and faucets have been checked for any damage, you will also want to consider insulating them. Even if you live in an area that does not regularly drop below freezing, insulating the pipes throughout your house with foam covers will reduce how much heat is lost as water moves through the pipes.

5. Get Your Furnace Inspected

Families should never turn on their furnace without having it checked by a professional. A furnace can easily become damaged or collect debris throughout the summer, and this could lead to a fire hazard when it is used. This is also a good time to stock up on enough furnace filters to last you through the cold season.

Winter is nearly here! To get the best advice on winterizing your Simi Valley home, call Fix It Fast Plumbing at (805) 623-4417 today.