Getting your home read for the worst conditions is essential. Rather than wasting time, and possibly money, take the proper steps before the worst of the storm hits. As the summer comes to a close, it seems as though cold weather is so far away, however, this is the time when the planning and preparation needs to begin. Do all you can to ready your home for the changing seasons.
Find leaks and stop them
Even the smallest leak will cost you money over a period of time. This isn’t just referring to leaks in the pipes, but leaks where air and light can pass. To find the leaks, use a candle around places you suspect have a leak and hold them close. Make sure a fan isn’t blowing at the same time. This will help you find where the air is coming from, and stop it.
To halt the leak, use caulk to seal it up. This may even improve the look of your home. Make sure that both the inside, and the outside are properly caulked. This will prevent air from leaking. There are a couple of reasons to do this before winter hits:
- Bugs and insects aren’t too fond of the cold either. As winter hits, they will begin searching for warmer temperatures. Even small cracks will allow these critters inside your home. Prevent this before they have the chance.
- To avoid a costly heating bill, make sure that the leaks are filled. Depending on the heating system you have, a leak could seriously raise the cost of your electric bill. With them properly blocked off, you can save more than you realize. Don’t allow this to become a problem in your home.
Even the smallest crack is worth repairing. Living with the problem is more bothersome than actually doing something about it. Don’t drag your feet; get the cracks sealed as soon as you find them.
Heat tape and heating panels
Heat panels is commonly used on roofs to help take some pressure off your gutters during winter. If you live in an area that receives high amounts of snow, heat panels are a good investment to keep the worst of the pressure from damaging your gutters.
When it snows, you can turn on the heat panels, which will melt the snow near the edge of the roof. Instead of causing immense amounts of pressure to your gutters, the heat tape is easy to install, and when run right, will not create a huge hit to the gutters.
Heat tape is essential to use around the home as winter approaches. As the weather changes, your pipes that are exposed are in danger of freezing, which could lead to them bursting. Protect them with heat tape before the worst hits. To install heat tape, first check to see if the pipes are leaking, it can be more damaging to install the tape over wet pipes. Wrap the tape in one layer around the pipe, then use electrical tape to hold it in place. If you want even more protection, cover the whole thing with insulation. Before doing this be sure it is waterproof.
Winterizing your home before the cold hits is crucial. Do this now, before the weather makes it impossible. You will save more time and money by taking care of it today.
Cassie writes on ways to winterize your home, including taking care of the electric problems. She has written for Arc Blue Electric on how to install heating panels, ways to save on your energy bill, and the advantages of using solar power.