The harshness of interns is increasing, and now a single winter storm can result in over a billion dollars in damage. Ensure your house is winter-ready to avoid paying for expensive repairs. It's not always obvious what steps you can take right now to safeguard your home against the impending cold.
Not to worry; we're here to offer assistance. Here are our top five suggestions for winterising your home. The image source is Pexels
Ensure the Safety of Your Window Wells
A window well is a fantastic method to introduce light and air into your basement. They're helpful for another reason, too: keeping dirt from collecting on window hardware. However, they might threaten your basement if they are not properly maintained. Liner failure is a common cause of water accumulation in window wells. Soil pressure can increase the space between a weak liner and the foundation wall. This allows water to permeate the soil even while it's saturated. You should inspect the window wells before the first snowfall of the season. At this time of year, the situation often worsens. Check for loose liners and replace them as necessary.
Check Your HVAC Systems & Furnace
It is imperative that you have your HVAC system checked every so often. You will also want a thorough Furnace repair which is recommended all winter long. The filter should be changed about as frequently. This will keep the air in your home fresh and clear of dust. The filter in your furnace might not catch fire if you keep it clean and clear of debris. Filters covered with flammable dust have been the source of several fires.
Maintaining a regular schedule of filter cleaning or replacement can help reduce hazards around the house. If you want to keep allergens out of your house, you should clean or change the filter. If you clean the filter, the air quality will improve, potentially reducing the number of times your family members have a cold.
Exterior Pipes That Are Proof Against The Elements
The exterior pipes of your home are particularly vulnerable to damage from sub freezing conditions. Pipes that have frozen over can burst, releasing thousands of gallons of water in a single day. The result can be expensive structural damage. Lines should be inspected for corrosion and other indicators of wear. Likewise, rust on the faucets and the connections indicate wear and tear. Immediately replace these components if moisture is present. You should remove all the water from your outdoor pipes and turn off the water supply at the mains.
Checking back a few weeks later to ensure all the water has drained is a good idea. Insulating tape can be purchased to cover exposed pipes inside and outside the house, including those in the basement. You might paint the exterior faucet knobs a bright colour to help you identify them if you don't have your piping plans on hand. This will aid in placing them in low light or when there is snow on the ground. In the event of a plumbing problem during the colder months, the plumber will be able to locate the faucet and make the necessary repairs more quickly.
Clean Your Dryer Vent
The chilly months will boost dryer use. Fifteen thousand dryer fires a year must be prevented. Wipe out the dryer's lint to avoid fires and lower utility expenses. First, clean the lint filter. This is the front of the dryer. Clean the filter using a lint scraper. The lint trap can be vacuumed. Following cleaning, replace the filter. Clean the dryer's lint trap. Back of several dryers if you can't find them, consult the manufacturer. Flathead the clamps; This disconnects the dryer vent from the wall. Brush the tubing with a dryer vent duct brush while holding the vent upright. Carefully twist off the brush. Repeat to remove all lint from the vent. After reattaching the vent, run the dryer for 15 minutes. This will push air through the vents, eliminating any trapped lint.
Dust Walls, Artwork, and Fan Blades
Although you and your nose detest it, dusting is essential. This is helpful as winter approaches, and you spend more time indoors. You may be surprised by the change in your home's appearance and air quality. Dehumidifiers, essential oil diffusers, and indoor plants can further freshen your home.
Conclusion
As global warming continues to worsen, a single winter storm can now cause more than a billion dollars in damages. Preparing your home for the winter months will save you money in the long run by reducing the likelihood of costly damage. You can read about our top ten tips for winterising your property below. Your outdoor pipes are especially at risk when the temperature drops below freezing. Frozen pipes can burst, unleashing hundreds of litres of water in a short amount of time. Exposed pipes, whether inside or outside the house, can be protected from the elements with the help of insulation tape.
