Photo via deansgroup.com
Winter weather is tough on a lot of things – your car, your immune system, and, maybe worst of all, your home. To help make sure you house is in prime shape to weather a flurry of punches from Old Man Winter, check out the tips below, courtesy of Boggs Inspection Services.
Give your heating system a tune-up: For typically less than $150, a HVAC technician can come to your house and look over your furnace or heat pump to make sure all parts are functioning properly and efficiently. Most inspections usually include a CO2 leakage test as well.
Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans: Flip a switch on your ceiling fan and reverse the direction of the blades. As hot air rises, this will push the heated air back down toward the floor.
Reversing rotation of your ceiling fan to a clockwise direction will increase heat flow.
Check out your roof: Leaves and other debris that fall on a roof can trap moisture leading to various issues for the homeowner. If you’re able to do so safely, climb on the roof and clear the debris with a rake or blower, working in the direction of the shingle edges. While you’re up there, inspect shingles, flashings, and gutters for damage or clogs. Afraid of heights? Call a professional.
Leaves and debris can trap moisture and create leaks from snow
Seal windows and doors: Want to make sure your home is leak-proof? Call a professional energy auditor to analyze the entire building envelope or grab a tube of caulk and inspect the exterior of the home yourself. Seal any gaps where caulk is missing or loose.
Sealing window gaps saves on energy/heating costs
Check exterior hose bibs and drain your sprinkler system: When temperatures drop, exterior hose bibs are the first to go. Therefore, you should disconnect all hoses and turn off water from inside the house. If you have a sprinkler system, be sure to drain all lines. Not sure what to do? Call a local landscaping company who can walk you through the process.
Rent the Tools You Need from RIT
To save time and money on your next DIY project, check out all of Rent It Today’s tool rentals. The company even offers heavy equipment rentals for larger projects. For more information, visit www.rentittoday.com.
