Colder Winter Predictions Means Time To Winterize Your Home

1. Furnace or heat system
Make sure you change your filter regularly depending on what your system calls for. A dirty filter will not only cost you money, but can wear your system out before its time.

It is always a good idea to have your furnace or heat system checked out by a professional before the cold weather hits. This can prevent you from spending a cold night waiting for a repairman the next day.

Plus, inspect your duct work for any leaks. These leaks can cause your heat to escape and never reach you.

For your safety, install a carbon monoxide detector.

2. Doors and windows
Most of the heat in your house escapes through the doors and windows. If you have older doors or windows and can afford to replace them for more efficient ones then you will save money on your power bills and stay warmer.

If you can not afford to buy new doors or windows, then you should insect the seal around them. Replace any worn or missing weather stripping or chalking. These create an air seal keeping the cold out and the heat in.

You may also want to consider using window insulator kits. This puts a sheet of plastic over the window acting like another layer of insulation on the window. Be sure and check for moisture periodically if you do use the plastic on windows.

You can help keep the cold air from sneaking in under your door. Simply roll up a towel and place it along the bottom of the door. You can also buy cute ones in the stores if you want to.

3. Chimney
If you are not planning on using your fireplace for heat, then you need to seal it off. This will prevent your heat from escaping up the chimney.

First step is to close the flue damper. You can go another step by installing a chimney balloon to really seal off the chimney off. Oh and do not worry about Santa. He has a key.

If you are planning to use your fireplace, then have your chimney inspected. It is best to have a professional chimney sweep to inspect your chimney before you use it each year. This can prevent not only possible smoke damage, but even worst a house fire.

4. Pipes
If pipes get too cold then the water in them can freeze and when it warms up you will find you have a broken pipe and a mess. This can be avoided by protecting your pipes from the cold.

It does not cost very much to purchase pipe insulators and they are easy to install. You need to be sure and insulate your pipes in your garage, crawl space and basement.

Closing your foundation vents will also help prevent your pipes from freezing. It will also help keep your floors from getting so cold.

For your outside faucets, unhook all water hoses. If you can drain the water out of the faucet or any sprinkler system, then do so. You can also cover your outside faucets with covers you can purchase.

One last tip, wrap your water heater. This will keep the water inside the water heater warm and will save money from having to keep heating the same water.

Weather forecasters are predicting a colder, wetter winter for a good portion of the country. Especially from the New England states down to the Carolinas. With these tips you can save money this winter and stay warm.

Written by Denise Clay
Exclusive to HULIQ