As winter approaches, it is a good idea to prepare your house for our impending drop in temperatures. Our simple steps to winterize your Minneapolis home this fall will help you save on energy bills while keeping you cozy warm all winter.
1. Check your furnace
Your furnace hasn’t been used in a while, so it’s a good idea to get it checked by a professional. Any HVAC professional should provide a carbon monoxide safety check, air filter inspection, blower operation check, gas pipe inspection, and check the motor and fan. They can also help drain your air conditioner to keep it clean over the winter, and look at your air ducts for leaks to ensure that your system will work efficiently. After the inspection, stock up on some filters and change them every month for cleaner air and a well-working furnace.
2. Check for air leaks
If you want to keep the warm air in and the cold air out, check your windows and doors for air leaks. A couple ways to test it is by getting a thermal leak detector, or using a candle and blow dryer. Keep the candle lit inside while someone else blows the dryer from the outside to see if the flame moves from the blowing air. If you find any leaks, seal your windows with caulk and a draft snake for your doors.
3. Install storm doors
Storm doors are fantastic at blocking out cold air and keeping your house warm. If you have storm doors and windows, be sure to install them before it gets too cold.
4. Check your water pipes
In order to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting, you will want to make sure they are well insulated and not leaking. Adding insulation will also warm up the water temperature so you can lower the heat on the boiler and save on energy bills. We recommend calling a professional if you have not worked with insulation before for your safety.
5. Change the direction of your ceiling fan
In most homes, ceiling fans can be switched to rotate clockwise to produce warmer air. The middle of the fan should have a switch located under the blades. Flip it when it is turned off to change the direction of the blades’ spin and get warmer air.
6. Check your roof and gutters
Clogged gutters and broken shingles are good places for ice to form. If the ice expands too much, ice dams could cause serious damage to your home. You can prevent this by checking your roof and cleaning your gutters. Remember to take safety precautions as you clean your gutters or call a service.
We want you to stay safe, healthy, and warm in your home this winter. If you’re ready to check your furnace, we offer comfort care packages to get you started.
