As winter slowly approaches, it is time to start preparing your home for the cold weather before it comes. Most of these steps you can do yourself and will help lower your utility bills as well as care for your investment.
- For ceiling fans that have a reverse switch, use it after you turn on your heat to create an updraft in order to send the hot air down from the ceiling because remember, hot air rises. This is especially helpful for high ceilings to circulate the heat.
- If the gaps between siding and window or door frames are larger than the width of a nickel, more caulk needs to be reapplied. The best for outdoor use is silicone caulk because of its durability.
- Gutter with a lot of debris can cause backups against the house and destroy roofing, siding and trim. Any broken gutters should be repaired as well. Cleaning gutters costs typically $70 to $225 depending on the size of the home.
- Use your lawn mower without its bag to mow your leaves instead of rake them. The idea is to cut the leaves in to very small pieces and spread them out over your lawn where they will provide nutrients for it over the winter.
- At the cost of $80-$100, a technician will take a look at your furnace to make sure the system is in clean and in good shape. The inspection will also measure carbon dioxide levels and if your act soon, you will be lowering your chances of being 200th in line for repairs on the coldest day of the year.