Try as you might, you can't stop the days from marching by. Fall has begun, which means the bitter chill, wind, snow, and shorter days will be here before you know it. Now is the time to prepare your home so you'll be ready when the change in weather comes. By giving your home some attention, you will protect your house and stave off problems. You'll also be able to trim your utility bills.
Inspect the Exterior of Your Home Start by taking a close look at the exterior of your house. Check your windows and look for any gaps. If you have older windows, you'll want to consider swapping them for vinyl windows. Replacement windows will mean an initial investment, but you'll have future returns when you see the savings on your utility bills. If you can't make the move to energy efficient windows right now, you can winterize your windows to get similar results and it will be easier on your budget. Check your doors and take care of any drafts. If you've lost some vinyl siding during the year, replace any missing pieces. Give your home the TLC it deserves and you'll be able to enjoy your living space even more.
Check Your Furnace Now is the time to perform maintenance on your furnace. Bring in a heating technician to evaluate your furnace in order to clean it out and detect any problems. The last thing you want is for your furnace to quit when you need it the most. If there are any issues, essential repairs can be taken care of in a timely manner to ensure that your heating system will be working at optimal levels when the temperatures start to drop.
Don't Forget Your Ceiling Fans If you have ceiling fans and they have a reverse function, make sure you switch the direction of your blades once the heat kicks on. You'll be able to take advantage of the heat that rises to the ceiling and send it back down into your home to make it toastier this winter. Make your home more efficient and you'll be able to reap the benefits. It doesn't take a major investment or a lot of your time. With a little savvy and planning, you won't be shivering when Old Man Winter arrives.
