Are Your Energy Efficient Homes in Oklahoma Ready for Winter?

Posted on 30th October, 2014

PrepareHomeforWinterManchester-Oct-2014Web250Pix.jpgWell, it looks like fall has finally arrived. Winds have shifted, leaves are changing into those beautiful warm colors, and temperatures are on the decline. This can only mean one thing…. winter is right around the corner. This turn of the season likely has you cooking more homey meals, breaking out the cold weather clothing, and turning up the thermostat. These autumnal deeds are part of “life’s little pleasures,” so to speak, but how about the more mundane tasks that you should be taking care of this time of year? It’s not nearly as nice as sipping on a mug of hot apple cider, but preparing your home for winter is something not to be neglected. So before our first freeze of the year hits, be sure to cross these items off of your to-do list:

 

1) Have your heat pump or furnace inspected by a professional. This will ensure that your system is clean and functioning properly, as well as measuring carbon monoxide leakage. An inspection usually ranges from $80 to $100, but it can save you quite a bit of money in future repairs.

 

2) Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan after you turn on the heat. This helps to push hot air down (remember, heat rises), helping to keep your home heated in a more efficient manner.

 

3) Remember last year’s especially long and harsh winter in Oklahoma? Of course you do! All of the ice and snow accumulation and melting cause additional wear and tear on the home. Be sure to have any air leaks fixed. This will keep your home heated more efficiently, saving energy and money.

 

4) Check out your insulation and replace any that is inadequate. Again, this helps with indoor climate control, conserving resources and money.

 

5) Replace any damaged, loose, or missing shingles, as these increase the chances of leaking when the snow and ice atop your home begins to melt.

 

6) Use silicone caulk around the exterior of windows and doors, and add weatherstripping, as needed.

 

7) Clean the debris from your gutters and downspouts. Backed up water from clogs can damage siding, wood, and roofs in addition to causing leaks or ice dams. It’s also a good idea to install extensions on the downspouts to ensure that any water runs at least three to four feet away from your home.

 

8) Disconnect your garden hoses, drain the remaining water from the faucets, and turn the faucets off. When undrained water in pipes freezes, it expands and causes pipes to burst. This is not only messy, but expensive to repair. Additionally, if you have a lawn irrigation system, have your service professional drain those pipes.

9) Remove dead and overgrown limbs that are close to your home or power lines to prevent damage to your roof or windows and power outages.

 

10) If you have a fireplace or another appliance that uses wood, coal, or gas, ensure that it is properly cleaned. This not only protects you from fires, but carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

There are many other important elements to preparing your home for the toll that winter takes on it, but these are usually the biggest and most time consuming. Be sure to follow us on facebook and twitter for more helpful pro-tips throughout the season.