Your 5-Step Winter Prep Guide

As beautiful as winter can be, the harsher weather conditions can cause various issues inside and outside the home if you are unprepared.

As the last things you will want to experience are chilly temperatures, burst pipes, or high energy bills, you must perform various actions to keep your property warm, safe, and cozy throughout the season.

Get started by reading the following handy five-step winter prep guide.

Step 1: Beat the Cold with a Propane Delivery

Many homeowners have switched to propane in recent years, as it is a more energy-efficient, cleaner alternative to electric options. Plus, your home won’t be impacted by a power outage, as you and your family will remain warm and can continue to cook meals and access hot water.

An automatic propane delivery means you will never need to worry about running out, as the supplier can predict your property’s needs, sending a refill to your home before the tank runs dry. It will ensure your home remains warm and cozy all winter long.

Step 2: Care for Your Furnace

Don’t forget to care for your furnace before winter arrives to ensure it remains in excellent condition when temperatures plummet. If you haven’t already done so, book an inspection to identify and resolve potential issues, such as a worn-out part or carbon monoxide leak. Don’t forget to replace your furnace’s air filter every three months to improve airflow and its performance.

Step 3: Insulate Your Attic

Enjoy a cozy winter by insulating your attic, as it will improve your property’s heat retention. It will provide a thermal barrier between your ceiling and living areas, ensuring you and your loved ones feel warm and comfortable when temperatures drop. It will reduce your reliance on your home’s heating, lowering your energy bills throughout winter.

Also, insulating your attic will prevent ice dams from forming on your property, as they typically occur due to heat from the roof melting snow, causing the water to refreeze along the eaves.

Step 4: Seal All Drafts

You might believe small drafts will not make a huge difference to your home’s temperature, but you are wrong. The small gaps in your windows and doors can cause a considerable amount of cold air to flow into your home and will allow hot air to escape.

Don’t battle a winter chill this season, and caulk or weatherstrip any drafts along your window and door frames. Draft-proofing is a small task that could make a huge difference to your energy bills and comfort.

Step 5: Insulate Your Pipes

Burst pipes are common during winter, as they often occur when water freezes inside. Unfortunately, this can lead to a sudden water leak that can wreak havoc on your home, and you may need to pay thousands of dollars to repair the problem.

Insulating your pipes with a foam sleeve can prevent the worst from happening and is best applied to exposed pipes outdoors or those in an unheated room, such as a basement or garage.