As winter approaches, ensuring your home is ready for the chill is crucial. Local real estate agent, Amy Arndorfer, offers some essential steps to keep your space cozy and efficient.
1. Insulate Effectively
Cold Missouri air can sneak into your home and drive up utility bills. Start by inspecting your attic for any thinning insulation. If necessary, call an insulation contractor to enhance your home's defenses. Don’t overlook weatherproofing windows and doors—install storm doors or door sweeps to help seal gaps and apply caulking to windows to prevent drafts and keep the warmth inside.
2. Protect Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Prevent this by covering exposed pipes with pipe sleeves, available at hardware stores. Additionally, disconnect and store garden hoses, and insulate outside spigots to protect them from freezing temperatures.
3. Service Your Furnace
A malfunctioning furnace in the middle of winter can leave you shivering. Schedule a pre-season inspection to ensure your furnace is running efficiently and safely. Regular maintenance improves performance, saves on energy bills, and extends the life of your system.
4. Adjust Your Ceiling Fan
To maximize heating efficiency, set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise during winter. This helps push warm air down into your living area. In the summer, reverse the fan counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze. A simple button on the fan's side usually makes this switch effortless.
By following these tips, you’ll keep your home warm, efficient, and ready to handle the winter weather with ease.