A Guide to Winterizing Your Home

The temperatures are dropping, and winter is moving in soon here in Bastrop! Now is the perfect time to enjoy the mild temps outside while you work to winterize your home so you’ll stay comfortable, save money, and be more energy efficient. You don’t need too many extra tools — just a checklist with your to-do’s and maintenance to welcome winter.

Clean Gutters to Keep Ice Away

Prepping for winter is similar to getting ready for summer because similar tasks help with both hot and cold — like checking and cleaning the gutters. It’s crucial to remove leaves, debris, and water so they won’t freeze in the gutters and create an ice wall that prevents drainage that could cause roof leaks. The hanging icicles may look pretty, but they can lead to ice dams when water freezes in the gutters, forcing melting ice and snow to flow under shingles and possibly into your home. Clogged gutters could also be a danger to your health and safety because built-up foliage and stagnant water breed mold and mildew that can spread quickly under the eaves and into the attic. Cleaning is all it takes to prevent that, so no need to worry!

Check Heating System

Another essential task is checking your heating system. You can do it yourself or hire a pro, but either way, make sure each part is running right and efficiently. Check each part of the system, including the furnace or boiler, blowers, filters, and vents. If you have a fireplace, clean all of it before using it. You can clean the chimney yourself, but you may want to look into hiring a chimney sweep. If you’re tempted to skip that step, think about the built-up creosote that clings to the chimney walls. It’s a black tar-like substance that can cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Seal Gaps & Reverse Fans

To help your heating system work more efficiently, seal gaps and cracks in windows, doors, and walls. Products such as weather stripping or caulk are budget-friendly and get the job done well! Use caulk to fill in holes and openings to help keep out cold air, and install weather stripping and seals to help prevent heat loss. Also, you can circulate warmth by reversing ceiling fans to pull the warm air down to help reduce the time your heater runs. Just flip the switch to make it turn clockwise in winter, then flip back to counterclockwise in summer.

Stock Up Well

Finally, stock up on supplies like sand, cat litter, or rock salt for traction on ice. It can also be beneficial to get insulated covers for outdoor faucets and disconnect water hoses, drain them, and store them inside if possible. Don’t forget to stock up on firewood now that your fireplace is clean, too! Being prepared for anything the season may throw at your home can make a huge difference. 

You’ll enjoy winterizing your new dream home in The Colony! You can prepare for the cold, then go inside and gather around the fireplace or in the family room to play games, watch holiday movies, and decorate the Christmas tree. Contact us today to give yourself the gift of gracious living.