It’s cold! The past couple of years have been way colder than we Houstonians are used to this time of year. We’ve had a couple of freezes last year, and Houston has already dipped into the freezing temperatures this year! Unfortunately, winterizing is about more than unburying your favorite sweaters and scarves. Since this winter could be a rough one, I want to share some tips I’ve learned about winterizing your home.
Check Your Heater
You might only turn the heat on once in a blue moon, but if you happen to need it and it doesn’t work, that’s not a good feeling. It’s best to test it out ahead of time just to be sure. You may also want to look into having your ducts cleaned and furnace filter replaced since dust – and even mold – can grow inside of them and impact your health. An HVAC professional would be happy to provide these services for you.
Doors and Windows
Have you been putting off fixing a broken or drafty window? If so, it would be a good idea to repair or replace it. In fact, if your windows all tend to let the breeze in despite staying shut, you could be letting your money slip out the windows along with the heat. Even replacing one or two windows at a time with energy-efficient options like double or triple paned windows can add up to savings over time – including later on when you’ve got the A/C cranked. You may also be able to seal simple cracks in doors and windows with just caulking.
Be Prepared
Snow in Houston is a rarity, but it never hurt anyone to keep a bag of salt in the garage just in case your walkways become icy. If this seems silly, remember: addressing ice takes a lot less time than healing from an injury does.
Disconnect Hoses, Wrap Pipes, and Empty Sprinkler Lines
To prevent nasty and expensive mishaps, be sure to disconnect hoses and wrap outdoor pipes before the weather gets cold. It’s also a smart idea to empty your sprinkler lines for the same reason.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Before winter arrives, you should clean out your gutters or work with a roofing professional willing to clean them out for you. Collected debris can damage your roof and gutters all on its own – but if it blocks water drainage? Water is heavier than you think, and built-up ice can pull your gutters straight off the roof!
You may also want to consider doing the following when winterizing your home:
- Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – especially if you plan on using portable heaters.
- Inspect and clean your chimney.
- Trim tree branches that could potentially cause damage if they fall.
- Reverse your ceiling fans.
- Protect your plants with plastic film or extra mulch.