Winter will soon be here. The wind is whipping, the temperature is dropping, and the winter jackets are coming out. However, there is one essential element to finish before the snow begins to settle in: winterizing. What’s that, you may ask? Well, winterizing is a critical task that most homeowners will have to undertake to prepare their homes for the colder months.
In this article, we break down 5 important things to consider when heading into the winter months. By doing so, you’ll save money on your energy bill, stay warm all winter long, and ensure you have peace of mind that your home is protected from unexpected damage that may occur. Interested in learning more? Let’s get into it.
1. Insulate your windows
Drafty windows can be a nuisance in the winter months. The cold air that comes in will keep you from remaining warm, not to mention significantly driving up your energy bill. Thus, it will be essential to insulate all window openings in your home.
You can DIY this project by caulking and sealing any gaps and leaks in window openings. Another option is to purchase insulation film, which is easy to apply, and plaster it over the window glass. Lastly, hanging heavy curtains over your now sealed and insulated windows will provide a last barrier of entry, keeping the cold out and the warmth in.
2. Watch your thermostat
Your thermostat can be one of the biggest energy drains during the winter months. However, by keeping a close eye on your home temperature, you can make significant savings on your bill—up to 5% of your heating bill for every degree you turn down. It is recommended that homeowners keep the space at around 20 degrees Celsius during the winter months. And you can keep the area even cooler when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping.
A great way to ensure consistency in this regard is by getting a programmable thermostat. You can customize your settings, so the system isn’t working when you don’t need it to. This will keep your home comfortable and your bills low.
3. Review your insurance coverages
Reviewing your
home insurance to make sure you have the right coverage is important, so you can rest assured that your home is safe and protected. A comprehensive homeowners package typically covers critical winter perils, such as collapse due to weight of ice and snow, freezing/bursting pipes, and ice damage. However, it is essential if you are away on holiday during the heating season to have your home checked daily to mitigate winter risks and to ensure you are meeting policy terms and conditions. It is important to review your policy with your insurance broker to understand what is covered and what is not.
For those of you with cottages, coverage may be limited and therefore, it is good to know what is covered and what options are available to you.
If you have a seasonal cottage, you will need to drain all your water lines and ensure your water is turned off. Depending on your policy and how long you are gone for, you may need to have someone check in on your property. Your policy terms and conditions will often state how often your property must be checked.
4. Check your fireplace
Often, there can be a buildup of debris, soot, or nests in your fireplace. When burnt, thess can turn hazardous. Thus, be sure to have an annual inspection done before the onset of winter. Or else, clean out the chimney yourself by thoroughly sweeping and vacuuming it before the first winter.
This is also
essential for your well-being and that of your family. Excessive buildup in the fireplace can trigger carbon monoxide releases, which are toxic even in small quantities. You may also want to get a carbon monoxide alarm to ensure you’re safe and protected.
5. Watch out for water
Water, when frozen, can do much damage to your property. Combat this problem by flushing out excess water from your home and yard. Close off any faucets to ensure they don’t freeze and damage the entire system. Wrapping your pipes will also be essential, as frozen pipes can burst and cause a lot of harm. By doing this, you’ll also be saving on your electric bill. Warm pipes mean your water heater won’t have to expend as much energy to move the water.
You can also keep your water heater efficient by flushing any pre-existing liquid through the drain valve. Over time, sediment and other small materials can build up at the bottom of the heater. This slows down the functioning of your system, which is why you should clear it every so often.
Gutters are another element that need to be cleaned every winter. Leaves, debris, and mud can pile up, making it challenging for precipitation to flow through. Cleaning them will prevent melted snow and icicles from forming later in the winter.
Better Safe Than Sorry
We hope these tips help you get started on winterizing your home. The colder months do not need to be challenging and dreaded. Instead, a little preparation goes a long way in getting you cozy and comfortable. And the benefits of winterizing your home are extensive: you will be warm and toasty, and you will save on your energy bill while reducing your carbon footprint. What more could you ask for?
Despite all your winterizing efforts, unexpected occurrences are more liable to crop up in the colder months. Storms, ice, heavy wind, and more can reverse all your hard work. Thus, it is essential to set yourself up with the correct
home insurance to protect your most significant investment from any damage.
At James Campbell Insurance, we have decades worth of experience matching homeowners to the right insurance policy for their individual needs. Be sure to get a quote today! To find the right home insurance, call
James Campbell Insurance at 1-833-459-1065 or
contact us here for more information.
