When you own a home in the High Desert, it is very important to get prepared for the cold winter months. Winterizing your High Desert home is critical. It can save you money and will make your house much more comfortable for the colder months of the year. Proper winterization can also protect your home from costly damage resulting from wintry weather and freezing temperatures.
In order to make sure that your home and family are prepared for the upcoming season, following these simple steps will keep you safe and comfortable during the cold months of winter with little cost or effort.
1. Clean up your property
The first thing you should do to prepare for winter is to clear your property of any low hanging or loose branches. Branches that dangle too close to power lines, porches or the roof of your house can be extremely hazardous. Snow and ice can weigh down tree branches and limbs and make them snap and fall causing costly damage to your property. Making sure your roof and gutters are clean and free of debris is also important so that water and snow won’t accumulate, possibly causing leaks.
2. Flush your water heater
Debris and sediment can accumulate in your water heater, causing it to work less efficiently. Flushing the water through the drain valve will clear out this material and keep your water heater performing at it’s best.
3. Insulate those pipes and windows
One of the simplest things you can do to avoid costly plumbing repairs is to wrap your outside pipes in insulation. Doing this will help you avoid frozen pipes and burst pipes. Windows can be covered with a transparent insulation film, this is a simple inexpensive way to keep heating costs down and your family comfortable during the winter.
4. Eliminate drafts
Check around your home for drafts around doors, windows, fireplaces, and plumbing and electrical connections. These cold air currents that move around your home create cold spots and can greatly increase your heating bill during winter. You can use fiberglass insulation, draft snakes, and wrapping to seal off drafts and help to keep your family more comfortable.
5. Change that air filter
A dirty air filter forces your heating system to work harder and cost a lot more to keep your house warm. Having a dirty air filter can also cause a fire and should be checked regularly. This is a simple and inexpensive way to ensure safety and efficiency while keeping your house warm.
6. Set your ceiling fans
Having your ceiling fans move in a clockwise direction will push hot air down toward the floor, saving you money on your heating bill.
Getting prepared for winter and winterizing your home is very important, and we’d like to know how you get ready. If you need help please give us a call and we’d be happy to schedule an appointment.