How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Winter is just around the corner, which means the weather is going to get colder very soon. Your home should be able to handle the cold for the most part, but there are still plenty of things that you should be doing to make sure that you’re warm and comfortable during the coming months. While you should always contact Highland Contractors if you need any major repairs or renovations to your home, here are just a few things that you can do now to prepare your home for the winter season.

Clean Your Gutters

Your gutters are responsible for removing water from your roof, and they’re going to be crucial during the winter months. Clogged gutters will cause water to pool and freeze on your roof, which can lead to ice dams and leaks. Take some time to clean out your gutters before the snow falls and everything freezes.

Have Your Furnace Serviced

Your furnace should be inspected and furnaced at least once a year, preferably in the fall before the main heating season begins. If you haven’t scheduled an inspection yet, do so now to make sure that your heating system is in good shape for the season.

Seal Your Windows

If you feel a draft when you walk by your windows, take some time to seal them with weather stripping or caulk. You can lose a lot of heat through unsealed windows, so take care of them now if you don’t want your house to feel too cold this winter.

Have Your Roof Inspected

Much like your furnace, your roof should be inspected at least once a year. Winter storms can be incredibly hard on a home’s roof, so you’ll need to make sure that your roof will be able to handle whatever the season will throw at it.

Have Your Chimney Cleaned

If you have a fireplace in your home that you plan to use this winter, have your chimney inspected and cleaned. Burning wood in your fireplace regularly can leave deposits of creosote on the inside of your chimney. Creosote is flammable and carcinogenic, so letting it build up in your chimney can create a serious safety hazard.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

If you rely on ceiling fans to keep your home cool during the summer, you can still use them in the winter to keep warm without turning up your thermostat. All you need to do is reverse them so they circulate warm air. You should be able to do this by flipping a switch above the blades or by activating the proper setting on your fan’s remote control if you have one.

Since the temperatures is falling fast, it’s best to take care of these things sooner rather than later if you haven’t done so already. If you need any assistance preparing your home for the winter, contact Highland Contractors today.