Ah yes, the inevitable awaits.
For many of us on Colorado’s Front Range, we are languishing in the final days of the most incredibly gorgeous weather with bright sunshine, agreeable temperatures, and colorful leaves. But alas, as the sun moves lower over the horizon, the inevitable awaits — and so we must prepare.
This cozy cottage in the woods is calling your name!
Protecting against the Winter elements.
Just as we cozy up with a thick blanket when the air is so cold it hurts, we must also care for our homes in a similar fashion. And, since natural gas prices have doubled over the past year, and are expected to continue to rise, it is worth the time and effort to use as little of it as possible. Doing so may save you money and put less strain on the environment, too!
So, what are we waiting for!? Let’s get to it and winterize your home!
Minimal Effort:
1. Keep your thermostat set between 60 to 65 degrees. When the temperatures take a dip, try slipping on your most fluffy slippers and a thick sweater instead of turning up the furnace.
2. Change the direction of the ceiling fan to run clockwise. This pulls cool air up toward the ceiling, and pushes warm air down.
3. Shut the doors in rooms you don’t use.
4. Place a “draft stopper” at the base of your closed doors.
5. Test and change batteries in your smoke and CO detectors for emergency preparedness.
6. Program your thermostat to run cool at night and only slightly warmer in the daytime, test-run your heating system, and replace all filters.
7. Buy a snow shovel and stock up on extra water/non-perishable foods in case -at some point- you’re snowed in.
8. Soak up the sun’s warmth by opening your home’s south facing window coverings during the day. Make sure to close them on cloudy days and as the sun goes down.
9. Invest in a space heater to warm only the rooms you are spending the most time, and not the entire house.
Don’t forget to winterize your pet’s favorite areas in the home, too!
Medium Effort:
10. Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and turn off the water/blow out sprinklers.
11. Ensure your snowblower works before it snows.
12. Remove your A/C window units.
13. Wrap your pipes facing external walls, especially on the north side of your home.
14. Cover your water heater with its own blanket. (The local hardware stores sell these specialty blankets for ~$45.)
15. Consider investing in a home warranty to cover the unforseen, like burst pipes or a furnace that calls it quits on a sub-zero night. (Most warranties cover all major appliances, plumbing, HVAC, etc.)
Ice dams are pretty, but have the potential to create extensive damage.
A Little Extra Effort:
16. Clean your home’s gutters and drains.
17. Caulk the gaps around windows and doors.
18. Clean your fireplace, wood burning or gas.
19. Install storm doors for added insulation.
20. Have your roof inspected and repaired if needed.
21. Seal your wooden deck to avoid more extensive repairs in the Spring.
22. Add extra insulation in your attic and exterior walls. ‘Energy Star’ recommends Colorado homes have R-49 to R-60 in the attic and R-18 to R-21 in the walls.
And just in case you need a reminder … don’t forget to winterize your vacation and rental properties, too! 😉
Check to see if your property management company winterizes for you.
I hope these tips have been helpful. If so, please feel free to share this article with others who may benefit from them, as well.