Have you noticed it yet? You know, suddenly the mornings are just a little bit cooler; the evenings seem to be getting slightly longer. Yes, it’s true: summer is slipping away and the fall is nearly upon us.
Along with the colder weather come added stresses for your home, because houses – like people – need to be properly prepared to deal with the rigors of autumnal weather. So, what exactly do you need to do? We’re glad you asked!
- Start with an HVAC Inspection – Your furnace needs to be in tip-top condition in order to see you through the coming months, so now is a good time to make sure everything’s working properly. Look at doing some basic maintenance like replacing filters, and get a RESNET certified HVAC contractor to carry out a thorough inspection. By nipping any potential problems in the bud, you’ll save money on costly repairs later on down the road and ensure your home remains toasty warm during the cold season.
- Inspect Your Home’s Envelope or Shell – The outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors and floors of your home are collectively known as its “envelope” or “shell”. The most cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort is by air sealing and insulating its envelope. When you do an energy assessment with a RESNET certified home energy rater, it could reveal areas in your home’s envelope where you may be losing energy. An energy rater can also provide you with cost-effective solutions to those problems, thereby ensuring that your home retains all its heat during the cold months.
- Inspect the Plumbing – There are few things worse than burst pipes in winter! Not only is it unpleasant but it’s also a very expensive repair. Burst pipes can happen if your pipes are in need of replacing or if residual water gets trapped in them (this situation being particularly applicable to outdoor taps). Therefore, it only makes sense to get your home’s pipes inspected and drain any residual water out, thereby reducing the risk of freezing or bursting.
- Get Your Roof Checked Out – If you don’t take care of your roof, it won’t take care of you! Remember, the fall can bring rain and sleet and some snow with it, and all that lands on your roof! Clean out your rain gutters (replace them if necessary) and replace or repair any broken shingles.
- Seal Up Foundation and Driveway Cracks – During cold weather, moisture can seep into areas such as your driveway or your home’s foundation and freeze. This causes the surfaces to crack and split. By sealing these areas early on, you can avoid costly repairs later.
To get more great ideas on how to make your home ready for colder weather, check out our energy saving tips!
