Texas weather is unpredictable. Today it may be 83; tomorrow, it may be 29. With changing temps, it can be hard to figure out when and how to winterproof your home. Here are some things you can do to protect your home from harsh weather and decrease your energy bills.
Check Your Roof
One important step is assessing your roof to ensure it’s in good condition to withstand the winter. Inspect the roofing material, and make sure there are no loose screws, rusted panels, leaks, bends, or cracks.
Warm air rises, so if you haven’t adequately insulated your attic, you’ll lose the most heat through it. That extra layer of insulation will leave your family warm and cozy during the winter.
Invest in Storm doors
These are outer doors made from plastic, wood, or aluminum that provide extra insulation by stopping the cold air seeping in and keeping the warm air. Storm doors can also add a visual element to your home and allow you to leave your front door open with the storm door closed to better view the outdoors in nicer weather.
Protect your pipes
Your basement, garage, and attic are most likely unheated, so any pipes running through those rooms will probably freeze. Weatherproofing your home includes using pipe insulation on exposed piping.
That also includes your sprinkler system, so flush out any excess water out of the pipes using a manual valve or a compressor to blow it out.
Wrap insulating material around your water pipes to make them less likely to freeze during cold temperatures. Insulation will also help lower the amount of energy it takes to heat your water.
Seal any gaps
Gaps in your windows or doors will let out warm air and introduce stinging winter cold drafts into your home. One of the easiest paths to a winterproof home is through sealing those gaps. You can use a caulking gun, bubble wrap, or draft snakes to fill the openings.
Install a programmable thermostat.
A programmable thermostat allows you to program your indoor temps so your house is warmer before you get up in the morning and return home from work. Several digital versions will enable you to control the temperature through an app on your smartphone.
A programmable thermostat helps your home remain comfortable while letting you save money on your heating bills.
Adjust your ceiling fan.
You may think of your ceiling fan as something you only turn on in the summer, but it can also help make your home more comfortable in the winter. Adjusting the fan’s setting, so the blades spin clockwise pushes the warmer air toward the floor.
Check your fireplace.
If you have a fireplace you don’t use, use a chimney balloon to help prevent drafts from entering your home through the chimney. If you use your fireplace, have it inspected yearly to make sure it doesn’t have an animal nest or a buildup of soot or creosote that could cause a fire.
Now’s the Ideal Time to Start!
Do you want to winterproof your home but are unsure where to start? Get in touch with our team. We have years of expertise and the required resources for your project.
By winterizing your home, our experts help boost your property’s energy-efficiency. This tactic keeps your house warm. And you’ll no longer have to pay considerable amounts in gas and electricity bills routinely.
Are you a building owner in or around Wimberley, Texas? Get in touch with SB Thompson Construction today for all your weatherproofing needs. Call us at (512) 849-5479 today!