Baby, It’s (Going to Be) Cold Outside: Here’s How to Winterize Your Home Before Winter Hits
Whether you love the crisp air of winter and the beauty of the first snowfall or you loathe it, winter in the northeast will be here before you know it—and no matter how you feel about the change in season, preparing yourself and your home is the best way to get through it safely and comfortably. The exterior and indoor repair service experts at Nolan Painting are here with helpful tips on how to winterize your home before winter is officially here, so your home can thrive all season long!
Keep Your Home Well-Stocked With Winter Necessities
Winter in the northeast is anything but predictable, so it’s best to be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way. Before the first snow of the season falls, be sure to stock your home with the following items:
- Snow shovels
- Waterproof gloves with some sort of insulation
- Rock salt
- Flashlights (if your home doesn’t have a generator and the power goes out)
Address Exterior Maintenance Before Jack Frost Arrives
There’s no arguing that the yellow, red and orange leaves of fall are beautiful to look at, but unfortunately, they often fill gutters and cause a blockage. To help prevent leaks inside of your home or ice dams in your gutters this winter, it’s crucial that you clean them out prior to the temperature dropping below freezing. But the exterior work doesn’t stop there—here are other maintenance items you should check off your list before the colder weather arrives:
- Clean out downspouts: Similar to your gutters, these can also get clogged, either damaging the downspout or resulting in a leak; be sure to clean them in midway through fall.
- Check exterior water systems: If you have a sprinkler system, outdoor hose or drainage system, remember to turn these off before the cool temps are nipping at your nose.
- Take care of your landscaping: In order to ensure your landscaping comes in healthy when the warm weather is back, now is the time to cut back any perennials you have.
Mend Your Windows and Doors
Windows and doors—we look out of them and use them all the time, but far too often their maintenance is forgotten by homeowners. However, if your home’s windows and/or doors are either slightly damaged or are on the older side, they can let air into your home, making it uncomfortably cold and inherently increasing your utility bill. Luckily, this can be easily avoided by caulking the windows and doors and closing any storm windows you may have.
Give Your HVAC Equipment Some TLC
Out of sight, out of mind—right? Not when it comes to winterizing your home! That’s why it’s important to take care of every little detail inside and outside of your home—even your HVAC system. This is the perfect time to replace filters in your systems and have your heating system inspected.
Spruce Up Certain Interior Elements
Unlike your HVAC system which is hidden (making it easier to overlook as an item to prep before winter), there are plenty of other areas in your home that are in plain sight—these include any holes in your walls (big or small). Just like cracks in your windows and doors can let in air, so can holes in the walls, which is why you should bring in a drywall repair or plaster expert ASAP. After this is done, your walls will be ready for a fresh coat of paint for the new season. Another fun way to winterize your home? Try swapping out your lightweight bedding with flannel sheets and a plush duvet—this will transform your bed into the warm and cozy haven it should be!
Looking for an award-winning exterior / indoor painting and carpentry repair services team to help with your home improvements in southeastern, PA? Look no further than the team Nolan Painting! Contact us to schedule a free home improvement estimate with us today.