In this two-part series, we’re sharing some proven prep strategies to get your home ready for the Wisconsin winter.
In Part 1, we’re focusing on preparing the inside of your home, and in Part 2, we’ll shift our attention to exterior home prep.
To begin, it’s important to note that even if you haven’t been experiencing any issues with your home, it’s important to take these simple steps seriously, as they can help you avoid costly issues down the road. And now is the time to handle these winter weather prep tips — while it’s still nice outside.
Let’s dive into 7 things you can do right now — inside your home — to prepare it for winter …
1. Furnace Tune Up
Whether your furnace is new or older, having it serviced regularly is a great way to keep it running smoothly. It also helps prevent fire and smoke damage. We recommend hiring a local company to perform the tune up. We also recommend calling at least two servicers, as pricing and service availability varies. And be sure to check the servicer’s Google Business reviews.
2. Inspect Your Pipes
Take a close visual inspection of your pipes for cracks and leaks. If you notice any compromised pipes, have them repaired ASAP.
3. Pipe Protection
Speaking of pipes, it’s a good idea to protect the pipes in your attic, as well as in any crawl spaces, with insulation or something called a plug-in heating cable. Make sure heating cables are UL®-listed and have a built-in thermostat — which turns on when needed, and otherwise remains off.
In addition, it’s important to be aware of where your pipes’ shut-off valve is so if there is an issue of freezing pipes that leads to leakage, you can cut off the water supply fast.
4. Have an Emergency Pressure Release Valve Installed for the Plumbing System
This type of system can save you from the headache of increased pressure in your pipes, caused by freezing, which can lead to pipes bursting.
5. Add Insulation in Key Areas of Your Home
If necessary, add some extra insulation to your basement, attic, or any crawl spaces that are not currently insulated adequately. When it comes to attics, on the one hand you’ll want to have enough insulation to avoid too much heat escaping through the attic (which can cause snow and ice to melt on the roof). On the other hand, you want to make sure that there’s not too much attic insulation, which can cause problems with attic ventilation.
6. Maintain (or Install) Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Changing the battery on these devices — on an annual basis — ensures they will work correctly. If you don’t have these devices installed, we advise doing so ASAP. Many people don’t know that the occurrence of residential fires increases during winter months, as does carbon monoxide poisoning.
These inexpensive, easy to maintain devices help keep you and your home safe.
7. Keep Combustible Items Far from Heat Sources
This includes things like beauty products, laundry products, hand sanitizer, and even electronic devices that have batteries.
We hope these home winter weather prep tips prove helpful. In our next installment of the series, we’ll review prep tips for the exterior of your home.
Until then, if you need assistance with the exterior of your home — or would like a complimentary roofing or siding inspection before the winter sets in — feel free to contact Legacy Exteriors anytime. We’re always happy to help!
