(BPT) – Winter will be here before you know it. The season has a way of sneaking up on you and before you realize you’re not ready, the first chilling breezes have already arrived.
Begin with winterizing your home now to ensure you’re prepared for the season. Apply the following tips and your home will be winter ready in no time.
* Prime your plumbing. If you live in an area where freezing pipes are a threat, this is one area you’ll want to correct immediately. A frozen pipe that bursts can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on damage. Shut off any water lines tied to outdoor spigots and your sprinkler system if you have one. Indoor pipes running along the exterior walls of your home are also potential freezing risks, so cover them with a towel or wrap to insulate them through the season.
* Be sure your heating system is ready for the season. The importance of your home’s heating system during the winter cannot be understated. If it isn’t up to the test, replace it now before winter arrives. The York(R) Affinity(TM) Series YZT two-stage heat pump offers a two-stage compressor to deliver higher energy efficiency and quieter operation. A smart home integration is easy with the YORK(R) Affinity(TM) Hx3(TM) 4.3-inch Touch-Screen Thermostat. Control your home’s temperature by voice command or by using your smartphone when you’re away from home. Program auto-alerts to stay aware of necessary maintenance and replace the filter each month to ensure your home heating system performs at its best all season long.
* Have your home audited. A home energy audit can help you make sure your home will be energy efficient and comfortable throughout the winter. Your energy audit will show you where energy is being wasted and provide suggestions on how to correct them. You may discover opportunities to add insulation in drafty areas or replace appliances that are no longer operating efficiently.
* Seal the leaks. Even the smallest draft could end up costing you big time over the course of a winter and repairing this problem is easy. Inspect each of your home’s windows — replace the broken ones — and use caulk to seal any cracks you find around the window frames. You can also apply weather stripping where appropriate and when winter begins, don’t be afraid to keep the curtains closed to block cold air from coming into your home through the glass.
* Protect yourself from CO concerns. Colder temperatures cause many of us to seek alternative heating sources, but this can often be dangerous. Never use a generator, camp stove, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside your home or garage. These devices, combined with closed windows, can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. If your home does not have a carbon monoxide detector, buy one immediately and if you do have a detector, make sure to test and replace the batteries regularly. A C02 detector is a vital component in keeping those in your home safe throughout the winter and beyond.
Don’t let winter freeze you out
Winter’s frigid temperatures haven’t struck yet, but the season will be here before you know it. Apply the tips above in your home today and you’ll stay nice and warm inside no matter what the outside weather conditions may bring.
