6 Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Chilly Months Ahead

Fall and winter are approaching fast! It’s time to start thinking about how you can prepare your home to ensure you’re prepared for the cooler season. As a homeowner, seasonal transitions can mean a decent amount of planning and a few home improvement projects here and there. Making updates to your home can be a stressful and tedious process at times, but no worries. We have you covered when it comes to planning for the chilly months ahead.

Conduct Energy Audit

Before jumping into your home improvement projects, consider getting an energy audit your home. An energy audit is important because it allows you to identify and find any potential concerns within your electrical, wiring, and ventilation systems.

Having an energy audit done by a professional means you can pinpoint exactly what needs to be fixed to ensure you’re keeping the heat in your home this winter. Not only that, it also allows you to learn how you can take the proper steps to be more energy efficient through the changing seasons. During your energy audit, discuss with your specialist options for investing in energy-efficient windows, doors, and updating your HVAC system.

Replace Windows

Once your energy audit is complete, you may determine that it’s time to replace the windows in your home. Replacing your windows can allow you to give your home a completely new look and update the design and color. Ask about energy-efficiency rating and materials used to ensure they’ll withstand weathering for years to come.

Before you start the window replacement process, ask for estimates and the potential project timeline. Understanding the timeline will ensure your project starts and ends in time to be ready for colder months. Research payment options for your project such as using a credit card or personal line of credit, a personal loan, or a HELOC.

Complete Window Maintenance

As you prepare for the fall and winter, it’s also a good idea to remove your window screens completely and store them in a safe place for the cold months. Taking out the screens limits any damage that can happen during freezing temps; it can also allow more light into your rooms during the colder months, which can add more heat naturally in your home. Lastly, you may want to consider hiring a professional window cleaner to come by and get your old (or new) windows in tip-top shape before the leaves fall.

Weatherproof Doors

Another way to make sure your home is properly insulated is to get a storm door for your main entrance or replace various doors throughout your home. Some doors you may want to consider replacing can include your garage door itself, sliding door, the door from your garage, or a door that goes to and from your basement.

Make HVAC System Updates

Once you’ve attended to both your windows and doors, you’ll now want to give attention to your HVAC system. When you properly maintain and update your HVAC system it can limit the chances of it breaking down, health issues, early replacement costs, and the potential of it skyrocketing your energy bill as you turn on the heat for the fall and winter.

One thing to think about when updating your system is to check how long it’s been since you’ve changed your furnace filter. Typically, it is a good idea to change out the furnace filter every three months. In addition, you may want to consider getting your air ducts cleaned to ensure your system is blowing clean air and not dust particles or other debris throughout your home. Lastly, you’ll want to cover up your AC unit to ensure it is properly protected when not in use.

Look Into Warranties

After making these changes, be sure to ask about warranties provided to protect investments you’ve made. Having a window and door warranty means you can be at ease in any instance where potential damage could occur.

Relax and Cozy Up

Although it can seem like a lot to prepare, after these home improvements and updates are complete, you’ll feel reassured going into the colder months. Enjoy the fall and winter seasons knowing you did all you could to ensure your home is cozy and comfortable for all.