Worried about the inside of your home getting cold this winter? Your concern is legitimate. Unless your house is made of steel, it’s almost inevitable that the frigid outside temperatures will permeate your walls – at least a little bit. But while there’s no way to stop this entirely, it is quite possible to mitigate the chill factor and keep your home warm and cozy. Up next are three general ways to weatherize your home for winter.
1) Keep the heat inside
The heat inside your home won’t be nearly as likely to escape if you make a concerted effort to fill cracks and crevices. Start by weatherstripping around windows and doors to seal them from wind drafts. Also replace door sweeps and door seals to prevent cold air from making its way inside. Be sure to caulk around your baseboards to likewise stop chilly breezes from moving in. Also important is being sure your attic has enough insulation. Ditto for your basement if you have one. If you need to have a professional come in and add insulation, do so. It’ll be worth it when you’re not sitting in your home shivering come December, January and February.
2) Maximize your heat supply
This one is kind of a no-brainer. The more sources of heat you have inside your home, the better off you’ll be in the winter. First, call your heating company and schedule an appointment for someone to come by and check your furnace. You should do this each year, typically in the early fall right before you turn your heat back on. If you don’t do this, you’re more likely to have an issue, plus it can be dangerous not to do this check.
Next, if you have a fireplace, make sure it’s ready to go with a fresh supply of logs, etc. It’s also a wise idea to buy a space heater or two. Not only will these add to the overall warmth of your house, but heaven forbid your furnace stops working, you’ll at least have something to help circumvent the cold until your main heat supply is fixed.
3) Check the outside of your home
If your house is full of cold air, it’s possible the issue is on the outside. Check your roof to make sure all shingles are stable and in order. Also take a look at your windows from the outside so you can be confident of no cracks. It’s a good idea to likewise see how your gutters and downspouts are looking. If they are full of leaves and branches, take time to clear them out. When searching for ways to weatherize your home, keep in mind that the exterior needs TLC just like the interior. To neglect either is to risk a very cold winter. And, unless you’ve always dreamed of living in an igloo, who really wants that?
For more, read this article on seven cheap ways to weatherize your home. Or watch the following short video, which offers 15 common-sense ways to weatherize your home for winter.
Final thought
Now that you know some ways to weatherize your home, you hopefully won’t be sitting inside your house wearing earmuffs and a scarf this winter. If you are, you may have a bigger problem with your home that needs addressing. Nevertheless, just know we’re here for you any time you need us. Not only will we put you on a fast path to homeownership, but we’ll serve as your guide throughout the homebuying process. Contact us today so we can get you the loan you need to purchase the home of your dreams.
