Extreme cold weather can be hard for both you and your pets. While you may already have started making winter provisions for your family and your furry companions, it is also essential to get your home ready for the harsh weather.
Here are some tips on how you can winterize your home the right way!
Seal Up The Drafts
Are you feeling a draft? Air leaks are not only uncomfortable but can be a huge source of frustration as they may inflate your energy bills. The outdoor air can seep into your home through the drafty window and door frames. There can be other common air leakage points such as fireplace flues, dryer vents, attic hatches, outdoor faucets, knee walls, sill plates, and electrical outlets. Thankfully, you can quickly fix them all by using caulk or air foam.
Protect Your Plumbing
We all know that water expands when it freezes, and if this happens within pipes, they may crack or burst from the pressure. Before the winter sets in, you must drain the standing water from your garden hoses, outdoor faucets, and in-ground sprinkler pipes. Clear your gutters, downpipes, and gullies of fallen leaves, moss, and debris build-up as they lead to blockages during heavy snow. Also, get any cracked or damaged plumbing fixtures replaced beforehand.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Modern ceiling fans come with a reverse switch that allows homeowners to keep their homes warm and comfortable without making their heaters work harder! When the fan’s blades rotate in a clockwise motion at a low speed, it produces an upward draft and prevents the hot air from rising towards the ceiling. You can even turn down your thermostat by a few degrees as well and enjoy energy savings without compromising on your home’s comfort level.
Prep Your Lawn Or Garden
If you don’t want your beautiful lawn to wither away by the time winter is over, it is important to give your lawn some much-needed TLC in fall! Autumn is the best time to prune your trees and also cut off dead or dying limbs to avoid dealing with fallen tree limbs during snowy days. Also, rake up your lawn regularly to clear fallen leaves, twigs, and debris. Instead of disposing of the fallen leaves, you can directly mow over them as they act as natural fertilizers and will keep your grass beds nourished over the winter! Also, take appropriate measures to prevent weed growth or pest infestation problems.
Get Your Emergency Supplies
Freezing breezes, heavy snow or sleet, and even blizzards – winter can be unpredictable! The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests preparing for the roughest winter conditions by being equipped with the following supplies:
• Several snow shovels, as you can get huge piles of snow to contend with. Make sure you have more than one in case any of them breaks.
• A good stock of de-icer. Choose the ones that are safe for pets.
• A backup of fuel, including firewood, generator, or an extra container of propane.
• A transistor radio along with new batteries for backup.
• A store of water and food items that don’t need to be refrigerated.
• Some extra sets of warm clothing, blankets, and other things to be used when you can’t do laundry!
McLean Hardware is your one-stop store in Virginia to gather all the necessary tools of the trade you need to prep your home for winter. From caulking and a variety of insulation tools to shovels, chimney cleaning supplies, and a range of lawn care items such as rakes, we have everything need you need this fall and winter!
