How to Prepare Your House for Winter

Minnesota winters can be the most unpredictable time of year. This season, for instance, much of our state was covered in a foot or more of snow the day before Veterans’ Day, but have nearly nothing to show for it now. It is important to anticipate your winter needs before they become a problem -- prevention of frozen pipes and other winter-related stresses is far easier than trying to fix them down the road. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind with regards to your home this winter season:

Windows and doors

If you have drafty or older windows and doors, you may want to take some measures to seal them up. some extra caulk, or plastic window kits can save you significantly on your winter heating bills.

Pipes

One of the most important (and potentially expensive) areas of your home to inspect is any area with exposed piping. extra insulation may be added during the months of the year in which frozen pipes are a possibility. Pay particular attention to pipes around the perimeter of your home.

Inspections

There are a number of things to inspect in your home during the winter: the heating system, chimneys and the roof being the main three. All should be inspected by a professional to prevent leaks or possible problems that can haunt you at the most inopportune times.

Extras

There are a few little extra tips that many people forget to do during the winter months. Remember to reverse your ceiling fans so they are spinning clockwise. According to Kiplinger, this pushes the heated air downwards towards the rest of the room versus sitting up by the ceiling. Test your sump pump by pouring a few gallons of water into the sump pit to see if the pump turns on. You want to make sure water won’t back up into your house. Install an outdoor thermometer to stay in touch with the outside weather. Create a winter debunking station for you and your childrens’ wet clothes and boots.

 

Last of all, Shoveling the driveway;  Let us take care of removing the snow for you. You have enough to do this winter around your home, leave the labour to us. Check out our website to learn more, and have a happy and safe winter season!