As we all know, winters in Western NY can be brutal. While the snow may be beautiful to look at, the cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your home if you’re not prepared. It’s important to take some time before the cold weather hits to make sure your home is ready for those frigid temperatures. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your home for extreme winter temperatures:
Keep your home well-insulated to prevent heat loss
Proper insulation will help to keep your home warm in the winter (and cool in the summer). If you notice certain areas in your home being drafty, or if you notice your heating and cooling system kicking on more than usual, you may need more insulation. Some areas may be easy to insulate by a DIYer, while others may require the help of a professional.
Seal windows and doors
One way to keep heat from escaping your home is by properly sealing windows and doors. You can do this yourself by caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows, and you can also use a Window Insulator Kit to prevent heat loss from your windows. Improperly sealed windows are one of the most common ways heat escapes from a home, so this is an important step in preparing your home for extreme winter temperatures.
Close off any unused rooms to minimize the amount of heat you need to generate
If you have any rooms in your home that are not being used, turn off the heat to those rooms and close the doors. This will help to minimize the amount of heat you need to generate and can save you money on your energy bill. Less square footage to heat means less work for your furnace, which can help significantly on those very cold days.
Install a programmable thermostat so you can adjust the temperature when you’re not home
A programmable thermostat can be a great way to save money on your energy bill. You can set the temperature to be lower when you’re not home and then raise it again when you return. This can help to minimize the amount of heat you’re using when no one is home, which can make a big difference on your energy bill.
Use alternative heat sources if possible
Supplement the heat from your HVAC system with safe alternative heat sources to help minimize the strain on your whole-house system. This could include using a wood stove or fireplace, or even electric blankets. Just be sure to follow all safety precautions when using any type of alternative heating source.
Protect your pipes
One of the most important things to do when preparing your home for extreme winter temperatures is to protect your water pipes. Pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures are at risk of bursting, so it’s important to take measures to prevent this from happening. You can insulate your pipes with pipe insulation or heat tape, and you should also let faucets drip a little bit to keep water moving through the pipes and prevent them from freezing.
Service your HVAC system
Before the cold weather hits, it’s crucial to have your HVAC system serviced by a professional. This will help to ensure that it’s running properly and can help prevent any problems from arising during the winter. A well-maintained HVAC system will run more efficiently and can help you save money on your energy bill.
Potter Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing offers a full array of installation, cleaning, and repair of boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps, so you can rest assured your home will be warm all winter long. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment!