How to get your home ready for heating season
As we move deeper into the holiday season, the last activity most people want to tackle right now is a long list of chores. But a house won’t be ready for the weather turning frightful without someone taking the reins. Being prepared and tackling the top priorities to get a home ready for the heating season upfront means spending more time being comfortable with family and friends, without feeling the deep chills outside. So rather than waiting until the last minute, when schedules are hectic and the stress is high, get in front of these tasks that will make sure your home is prepared for cold months.
Gut the Gutter
Starting on the outside of the home, it’s time to bust out the ladder and clean out those gutters. Scooping the gunk and debris out now prevents it from creating clogs while melting snow and rain tries to drain. This also prevents that same detritus from freezing when temperatures drop, creating potential bursts or leaks in gutters. As the last piece to ensure they’re clean, run water down the now-cleaned gutters to make sure there are no existing problem areas or misalignment present.
Rise to the Occasion
Take a trip to the attic, and get a good look around. This is a good time to break out the long sleeves and protective mask if you have one. Look for any areas where the air ducts may be obstructed or faulty, and check for wet spots or leaks. Ensuring the attic has enough insulation can be tricky, so having a professional give an expert opinion may be the best option here. Also, keep an eye out for signs of unwanted animal roommates, as they are attracted to warm spots (like attics) as the winter months get colder. If there are signs of droppings or chewing, it’s time to call up animal control for another inspection.
Furnish the Furnace
The furnace is the winter workhorse of the home, keeping temperatures comfortable and consistent no matter what’s happening outside. To make sure this happens uninterrupted, flush your furnace to get rid of any sediment build-up. Additionally, make sure a new filter has been installed (if one hasn’t been installed recently), as a clean filter will help reduce strain on the furnace as it runs more often. If an annual furnace inspection hasn’t yet happened, now is a great time to do it. Consider reaching out to a professional to ensure no surprise issues are lurking beyond what you can see, waiting to take your furnace out of commission at an inopportune time.
Duct and Cover
Making sure heat is evenly distributed throughout your home takes more than just the furnace, it takes the network of ducts as well. Inspect the ducts in your home to make sure they are free from damage and cracks that could prevent the warm or cold air from being distributed properly. Also, check the plumbing pipes around your home for the same signs of issues, as well as to make sure they are well insulated. If they are not, install insulation to ensure your pipes stay warm, and avoid and potential freezing during the truly cold months.
The most important piece of preparation that can be performed is an annual inspection. These should be done for both your home’s furnace and water heater to catch any potential issues before they become major headaches. If you haven’t head scheduled an annual inspection, or if you’re looking for additional help and resources to finish up the other pieces to prepare your home for warming season, reach out to the licensed professionals at Duane Blanton Family Home Services. The experts at Duane Blanton are prepared to service your home needs and answer any question you may have. Give them a call today at (815) 781-2567, or reach out online through their online scheduling portal.
