Winters in South Carolina might not be nearly as harsh as they are in other parts of the country, but that does not mean that homeowners here should not do everything they can to prepare for the coming season.
With that in mind, here are 10 things that every homeowner should probably do before winter, just in case the weather does decide to go crazy.
Have your furnace serviced
If you want to ensure that you and your family are able to stay warm this winter when the temperature drips, then you need to organize having your furnace serviced before the season hits in full force. A good HVAC company will be able to come in and quickly check that everything is working as it should to keep your home at the right temperature when you need it, so you won’t end up in the cold this winter. If anything needs fixing, you can check out ARS’ HVAC repair services available in the South Carolina area.
Get rid of drafts
If there are parts of your home that allow drafts to get in, then not only could this leave you feeling chilly in the winter, but it could lead to your heating bills being more expensive as your home will be inefficient.
There are a number of things you can do to plug drafts from replacing old weatherstripping on windows and doors and using draft excluders to hiring a reputable window replacement company to install more efficient panes. Do as much as you can to plug the drafts in your home and your utility bills will be lower and your family will be cozier.
Clean the gutters
The last thing you want is for your gutters to be clogged when winter comes along because, if it rains heavily, they will not be able to do their job of directing rainwater away from your property and you could end up with flooding and dampness in your home which will be expensive to deal with and could even make the property unsafe. So, get up there and ensure that your gutters are free from leaves and other debris before winter comes along.
Disconnect the hose
If you have one or more hoses in your garden, and they are connected to the outdoor spigots, then you are going to want to disconnect them before winter. Why? Because if it gets really cold and water freezes in them, it can cause the spigots to burst and this could potentially lead to a major flooding incident on your property, which I’m sure is something you would rather avoid. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so disconnect your hoses as soon as possible.
Repair the roof
It is always worth going up and taking a look at your roof before winter to check if there are any loose tiles or gaps that will need to be fixed. When winter hits, if your roof is damaged, heavy winds could cause tiles to come off and heavy rains could cause a leak into your home, along with various other forms of damage. So, it stands to reason that repairing your roof ahead of winter is a very sensible choice for you as a homeowner.
Clean venting in the attic
One thing that many homeowners do not know they should do before winter is cleaning the venting in the attic, but it is really vital that you do this because, if attic vents are blocked, ice can dam in the area and this can cause dampness and mold to take over the home, which can be really bad for your chest health at a time when viruses are already causing many people to be sick, not to mention it can be costly to repair. it’s better to be safe than sorry, and ensure that those attic vents are completely free from blockages.
Sweep the chimney
If you have a chimney, it is a good idea to have it inspected by a professional and also swept by a professional ahead of your needing to use it in the winter months. This is because a blocked chimney is a big fire risk and could even cause dangerous gases to build up in your home. It is never a good idea to neglect your chimney if you have one, so be sure to get it looked at.
Insulate your pipework
Insulating any exterior pipework that carried water to and from your home is a telly good idea ahead of winter as it will help to prevent them from freezing and then bursting causing leaks and expensive plumbing bills, If you are going away from home in the winter, then turning your water supply off until you get back can also help to prevent a burst pipe situation.
Cover your plants
If you have a lot of plants in your garden that are sensitive to frost, then it is a good idea to cover them with a layer of insulation that will hopefully help them to survive the winter., Even better, if you have a greenhouse, move them in there while conditions are cool and they will more than likely live to see the summer.
Bring out the cozy accessories
Once you have done all of the practical things you can to keep the home safe and warm, then it is time to think about bringing your winter accessories, like heavy blankets, thermal sheets, and cozy throws out of storage and making your home much cozier for the winter. This will not only help you keep you warm, but it will endure that your decor matches the season and helps to lift your spirits at a time when many people feel down due to the poorer weather conditions. Have fun with it, and don’t forget the pumpkin spice.
It is always sensible to prepare for the worst-case scenario ahead of winter because if you are caught by surprise by tough weather conditions, it can often be too late to do anything much to protect your home and family. So, be sure to prepare in advance, using the above as a guide.