How to Know That Your Home is Prepared for Winter

Many Oregon residents are always caught off guard by the onset of winter. But with our helpful advice, you can face any challenge head-on. If you try winterizing your home, you can look forward to fewer furnace problems, cheaper energy expenses, and a cozier, warmer dwelling. Please consider these recommendations:

1. Adjust Your Ceiling Fans - Turn your ceiling fans counterclockwise if you want. This simple trick has the opposite effect on your fans during the warmer months. The warm air is dissipated from the top of the room and directed to the ground below.
2. Change the Filter in Your Furnace - It's essential to keep your furnace in tip-top shape by changing the filter regularly. In the long run, switching it out at different times of the year can improve HVAC efficiency and save on heating costs. You can expect fewer breakdowns from your system if it runs well.
3. Turn Your Water Heater Down - Reduce your heating bill by adjusting the water heater's temperature. It would be financially beneficial to turn it down a few degrees. If you can't get the water hot enough, try gradually raising the temperature until you find one that works for you while still being cost-effective.
4. Eliminate Drafts - Install draft stoppers in cold, drafty rooms. Put up some draft stoppers or use some sealant to keep the air out. A caulking gun does short work of weatherproofing drafty windows. You can also use a rolled-up towel or bath mat for this purpose, as a significant amount of heat can be lost through the space under a door.
5. Make the Necessary Changes to the Thermostat - Turning the thermostat down by only one degree has almost no effect on comfort, but when combined with the other tips for staying warm, it greatly affects heating costs. As an added money-saving measure, you can automatically set your furnace to lower its temperature when you're not there.
6. Insulate and Examine Pipes - You should check pipes thoroughly for leaks and cracks; any found should be fixed immediately. Avoid pipe bursts by insulating and repairing any uncovered pipes.
7. Find Out the Location of the Main Water Shutoff Valve - If your pipes freeze, turning off the water supply immediately is your best defense against costly water damage.
8. Make Sure all of Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors are Working Properly - Data from research shows more house fires and cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter. Keep an eye on your detectors and ensure they are still functioning regularly.
9. Clean Out Gutters - Clear the gutters of anything that could stop water from draining, such as leaves, sticks, or melted snow. This will make it less likely that water will pool in your gutters and leak into your house.
10. Trim Trees and Get Rid of Any Dead Branches - Weak trees and limbs may collapse due to ice, snow, wind, and rain, causing damage to your vehicle, home, or even people wandering on your property.
11. Fix Any Holes or Splits on Siding and Trim - Caulk cracks and add weather stripping around doors and windows to keep cold air out. This will keep mold growth to a minimum, and keep your energy costs down.
12. Gather Supplies for Emergency - You should have enough water and canned food for at least three days, a can opener, first-aid supplies, fuel for heating, a lighter or a lot of matches, and any medications you may need.

We hope you found these tips to be helpful in keeping you and your loved ones warm and safe during this winter. If you need any help with your heating and cooling system, be sure to give us a call or schedule an appointment today.