It may be hard to visualize in the sweltering heat of a St. Louis summer. But the humid days of June through August are the best time to winterize your home. Remember, this last year was one of the longest and coldest winters in a long time, so being fully prepared will minimize the frigid affect that winter can have on your home’s heating expenses. Here is a list of activities you can do around your home to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
- If you’re serious about getting suggestions to enhance the energy efficiency and comfort of your home, have an energy audit performed by a professional.
- Caulk cracks around windows and doors to eliminate drafts. This will also keep the air conditioning in, saving you a great deal of money.
- Add weather stripping to doors and windows or simply check the fit of exterior doors at their thresholds. Many designs are adjustable. Use a quarter to turn the large screws along the top edge. These are quick and easy steps that you will be so grateful you did.
- Install outlet gaskets to electric outlets located on outer walls.
- Monthly, clean or replace your furnace filter. Schedule an appointment to have a professional clean and operate your furnace in the early fall. It is best to get this done early in case you find a problem with your furnace. Trust us, it is not enjoyable finding out your furnace isn’t working on the first cold day of the year.
- Have a professional chimney sweep clean your fireplace. Getting this taken care of earlier in the summer will save you money. If you wait until the fall and winter the prices jump due to high demand.
- Check foundation, concrete slabs and yard for settling of backfill soils; fill in as needed to maintain positive drainage.
- Drain sediment from water heater per manufacturer’s instruction ( local water quality determines needed frequency).
What are some things you do to prepare your home for winter? Share them with us in the comments.
