Vinyl
Replacement WindowsPreparing Your Home For Winter
Answers From The Experts
I know, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter, but if you
contact a heating contractor now, you'll get better attention and a faster
response.
First, check your insulation. Warm air rises and if you don't have great
insulation, it could keep going straight up and through your roof. Most U.S.
homes should have insulation with an R value above 22. The higher the value,
the greater the thickness. Head up into your attic, with a ruler, and check
to make sure your insulation rises up at least 7 inches.
Next, seal up your house. Inside, check for cracks around windows, gaps
between your wall and flooring, and near your electrical outlets. Use caulk
and caulk gun (or a Handyman) to seal minor gaps. Check the weatherstriping
around all doors and windows. Outside, also check around your windows for
leaks (have someone hold a light up to expose smaller gaps.) Check
electrical outlets and loose faucets for gaps. Use expanding foam or caulk
to fill them in.
This would be a great time to have your air ducts cleaned. Sure, your
regularly replace your house air filter (right?) But your ducts also have a
build-up of all that crap that you see stuck to your dirty filters every
month. A good air duct cleaning will increase flow and efficiency of your
duct system.
Make sure you have a professional inspect your heating (or cooling) unit
before each new winter or summer season starts to make sure the system is in
working order (fans lubricated, belts inspected, etc.) It can seem
expensive, but an emergency call when it's Christmas morning and 10 below
outside always, always costs more...)
Another cost saving tip: insulate your water heater and pipes. When it's
cold outside, your water heater may need to work harder to get water hot and
keep it hot. They have kits you can use to wrap insulating blankets around
your water heater and insulation wraps for your water pipes. It prevents
heat loss and helps the efficiency. However, make sure you follow any
instructions provided with the kits -- you do NOT want to cover up anything
close to flames or any air vents.
Timothy K. Clark is the Director of Marketing for
ConstructionDeal.com, a valuable website that matches Contractors with
Property Owners for residential and commercial improvement, remodeling and
repair projects. For more information, visit http://www.constructiondeal.com
or call 866-663-4711
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