How to Make Winter Warmers

Many homeowners will be finishing up preparations for the next winter as they work to keep their families warm. Along with stocking up on cozy blankets and hot cocoa, preparing your home for the chilly weather with a few simple steps can make a big difference. Just get ready for the winter instead of hibernating through it.

To counteract the chilly outside weather, remember these simple advice:

Examine the weather strips and caulk around the doors and windows. In addition to helping to keep warm air trapped in your home during the winter, the Department of Energy advises sealing your window frames and any potential cracks that air could escape from in order to prevent water damage and ensure acceptable indoor air quality.

Insulation sleeves should be used to cover water pipes in your basement or crawl area.

Consider investing in a hot water heater cover that is insulated.

Heat can be obtained via the fireplace, but before using it, have your chimney cleaned and examined by a specialist. If the fireplace isn't regularly cleaned and maintained, carbon monoxide could leak out.

When not in use, keep your fireplace's flue closed.

Verify that no furnishings, draperies, or other home accents are obstructing heating vents.

Overnight, leave cabinet doors ajar to let warm air circulate around pipes.

Consider draining the water pipes if your home won't be occupied during the cold months.

Check that your bedrooms and other high-risk areas on each floor of your home have carbon monoxide detectors, and test them to make sure they work.

Make it a priority to replace the furnace's air filter once a month. This will stop airflow from being restricted, which could exacerbate respiratory conditions.

Add thick or thermal curtains to your home to help trap warm air. Even with a very thin curtain, it is simple to lose warm air through a window, and it is even simpler if there is no covering at all.

To help keep your home warmer when the outside temperature is chilly, place rugs on your hardwood and tile floors.

Make sure your furnace has received a tune-up from an HVAC professional and is ready to operate at peak efficiency over the upcoming winter months. A professional safety check of your heating system will also make sure there are no leaks or problems with carbon monoxide.

Avoid attempting to heat your house with an oven, barbecue, or camp stove. Using unsafe ways to heat can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and can also start a fire.

Check that your bedrooms and other high-risk areas on each floor of your home have carbon monoxide detectors, and test them to make sure they work.

Make it a priority to replace the furnace's air filter once a month. This will stop airflow from being restricted, which could exacerbate respiratory conditions.

Service Experts is prepared to assist you while you winterize your house, whether you require a furnace tune-up, a safety inspection, or a comprehensive home comfort study. Trust the professionals to provide you with the assurance that your family will be warm and safe over the winter.