Five Winter Prep Tips for Your Home

As the colder months approach, it’s important to make sure your home is ready to handle winter weather. From the freezing temperatures to higher energy demands, winter can be tough on your house and on your wallet if you’re not properly prepared. With a little planning, you can keep your home comfortable, efficient, and safe.

One of the first steps to consider is duct cleaning. Dirty ducts can restrict air flow and force your heating systems to work harder. You could avoid that, and with these five essential winter prep tips, you can help your home to run smoothly all season.

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1. Schedule a checkup on your heating system. Before the cold weather really hits, have a professional inspect and service your heating system. This ensures that everything is working efficiently and safely, and whether you have a furnace, boiler or heat pump, routine maintenance will help you to avoid any breakdowns. Be sure to change your air filters regularly too, as this is a small task that can make a big difference in how well your system operates.
2. Seal the drafts and insulate. Heat loss is a major issue during winter, and even the smallest of drafts can lead to higher heating bills. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps around the windows, doors and other openings. If the attic or basement insulation is lacking, consider adding more. Proper insulation will keep warm air in and cold air out. 
3. Get the gutters cleaned. After the fall leaves have dropped, it’s crucial to clean out the gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can damage your roof and lead to leaks inside your home. Make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation to prevent freezing and water intrusion issues.
4. Clean out the air ducts. As mentioned earlier, duct cleaning is often overlooked but important as a part of your winter prep. Over time, dust, pet hair, and other debris can build up in your ducts, reducing air flow and spreading allergens through the home. Since the HVAC system will be running more often in winter, now is a good time to schedule a professional duct cleaning to help with clean, efficient air circulation.
5. Prepare for snow and ice. It’s a good idea to stock up on winter supplies before the 1st snow falls. Check that your snow shovels, ice melt and snow blower are ready to go. Also, protect your outdoor faucets by draining them and covering them with insulated covers to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

It may take a weekend or two, but preparing your home for winter will pay off in the long run. With these five steps, especially the less obvious ones like duct cleaning, you’ll be setting yourself up for a warmer, safer and more efficient season. Don’t wait for the first freeze to act. A little prevention now will save you from major headaches when the temperatures drop.