The winter months are fast approaching, bringing with them snow and cold temperatures. The best way to ensure your family is safe in their home during this time is to prepare it in advance by making improvements ahead of time so that you won’t have to spend much money when the conditions are least favorable.
If you want to make it through the cold season without spending too much money, here are some of the things you can do:
Seal the Gaps
Winterize your home by caulking any cracks or holes in windows or doors to keep the cold air from seeping in to save on energy. When preparing your property for the winter months, you will want to ensure that all of your windows and doors are sealed uptight. If you don’t, then air may seep through them, causing problems with the efficiency of your furnace. Also, be sure to clean your furnace’s air filter and have a professional service it if necessary since a clogged filter can affect its performance.
In addition, sealing any gaps around windows and doors provides an extra layer of protection against insects and pests. You can also add weather stripping around the entryway to your house so that it will be easier for you to close up your home before you leave for work or on a trip away from home.
Check Insulation
When the temperature drops outside, you will need to heat your home, so it stays warm enough for you and your family members. Check out the insulation in your attic and basement. If heat is escaping from your home, you will need to fill those gaps by adding more insulation.
Paint the Rooms
A coat of paint can freshen up any room in your home. You don’t have to hire a professional painter if you have spare time and the right tools. A fresh coat of paint from an inexpensive brand will give your room a refreshing look, just as new coats do for cars after several years. You will be able to paint any room in your home with help from a bit of elbow grease and the right tools.
Give Your Kitchen or Bathroom a New Look
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on new appliances for your kitchen or bathroom, consider giving them an upgrade by painting them with some attractive colors or by adding new cabinet pulls. This is an inexpensive alternative to replacing appliances, which is not only pricier but will also take more time. If you want to give your home a fresh look without having to buy new things for it, then you can paint the cabinets of your kitchen and bathrooms using attractive colors that suit any style. Also, you can update outdated hardware like cabinet pulls to give your cabinets a fresh look.
Upholster Your Furniture
To give your home an updated look without buying new furniture, update old items by upholstering them with new fabric or removing their worn-out coverings. Most furniture can be upholstered, so you can replace the old covers with new ones to give your family a fresh look for a fraction of the cost of buying new furniture.
Upgrade Your Roof
If you have a new roof installed, you will not only protect your home from wind and rain damage but also save on energy bills during winter since a shingled roof provides a better defense against cold winds and snow.
To install a new roof, you will usually need the help of a professional contractor. If you don’t want to install it yourself but can handle simple repairs in your home, like small holes in the wall or ceiling, you should be able to install a coat of paint or wallpaper on your own.
Inspect Outdoor Faucets
To keep water from freezing up in the pipes of your outdoor faucets, make sure that they are leak-free and that you turn them off. After checking your outdoor faucets for leaks and ensuring they are turned off properly, winterize them with pipe tape or foam kits to ensure they do not burst during the cold weather.
Don’t Forget the Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, be sure to stock up on firewood well before winter, so you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for it once the snow starts falling. After stocking up on wood, be sure to store it in an area with plenty of ventilation. Also, don’t forget to have your chimney inspected before using the fireplace so you can be sure that it is safe.
Final Thoughts
With a bit of time and effort, you can protect your home from the harsh winter season. Just remember to plan so that you don’t have to pay for expensive upgrades or repairs.