Learn To Winterize Your Home The Windows on Washington Way: Top-Bottom

Saving money on your energy bills this winter can easily be accomplished by simply preparing all areas of your home for winter. Here are some quick tips to prepare your home for the cold weather.

Winterize Your Roof

Inspect your roof and gutters to avoid potential problems throughout the winter.  (If you have a 2-story roof or it has a steep slope you may want to call a professional. Falling off a roof can be lethal even in 1-story applications. Do not take a chance with your safety, leave the roof walking to the professionals!)

• Check for loose and missing shingles to protect the wood of the roof from water damage and to prevent water, snow, and ice infiltration into the attic.

• Check the flashing around the chimneys and vents to make sure snowmelt and rain do not leak into your home.

• Clean your gutters to allow for proper water drainage and prevent ice from forming in the gutters.

• Has your home formed ice dams in the past?  If so, you should have the attic and roof looked at ASAP before you let heavy snows create potentially disastrous and expensive leaks.  Ice dams are often thought of as a roof issue; however, that is not the case.  Ice dams are the result of poor insulation, unchecked heat loss and improper ventilation. Contact Windows on Washington for an inspection.

Winterize Your Fireplace

Using a fireplace can send valuable heat up the chimney.  Use the following tips to decrease the loss of heat while still enjoying the ambiance of a fire.

• Have the chimney cleaned and inspected.

• Burn only fully dried hardwoods to produce the most heat output.

• To prevent the drafting of conditioned air out of the room, provide an outside air source to fuel the fire.

• Keep your fireplace damper closed in the winter when not in use.

• Install a chimney balloon or spring loaded fireplace damper to prevent cold air from entering the living space.

• Use grates made of C-shaped metal tubes to draw cooler room air into the fireplace and circulate warm air back into the room.

  Winterize You Windows

  To improve the comfort level of your home and save on utility dollars, the experts at Windows on Washington suggest that you follow these tips to winterize your windows for the cold weather:

• Remove your window screens and place them in storage.

• Re-install storm windows or install new Low-e insulated storm windows.

• 
Inspect the caulking around your windows to make sure they are sealed. Re-caulk any areas that are in need.

• Inspect the weather stripping around your windows to make sure there is a tight seal, and replace if necessary.


• Inspect all locking mechanisms to make sure they are in working order and lock the windows.  Windows in the locked position create a stronger airtight seal for increased energy efficiency.


• Inspect windows for any loose panes and reseal, if necessary.

• Install insulated shades over the windows to help keep the heat in and the cold weather out.

Winterize Your Heater

It is a good idea to have this system serviced annually and to have your ducts cleaned out by a professional.  There are also a few things that you can do yourself to improve the energy efficiency of this system.

• Change the filters every 30-90 days depending on your system and the type of filters you are using.  Clogged filters can disrupt the airflow and increase the amount of energy used to heat your home.

• Remove any items you have near the furnace or around you air ducts and return vents. This will allow your HVAC system to run at its peak efficiency.

• If your heat runs on gas or propane, make sure you have filled the tank up.

• Test your carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in good working order.

• Install a programmable thermostat.

Winterize Your Plumbing

Because our area of the United States is subject to temperatures that are below freezing it is important to make sure your plumbing is ready for the colder weather.

• Make sure any pipes that are exposed are insulated, both indoors and out.

• Insulate your hot water heater with an insulation blanket.

• Turn off the water supply to your sprinkler system and outside hose and faucets.

Winterizing your home will not only save you money but also improve the comfort level and energy efficiency.  The experts at Windows on Washington can provide solutions to all your home improvement challenges and help make your home more beautiful, comfortable and energy efficient. Click on the link below and our professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have.