Winter is approaching and with it festivities will also come knocking at your door. While the cold season is a time of warm experiences and celebrations, your home however is likely to face one of its toughest challenges during the winter months. From continually falling temperature to winter storms, accumulating snow to rapid snowmelt, there’s plenty your home will need to tackle. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to prepare your home for winter and the role of emergency restoration services in case of any emergencies.
Your home’s winter prep checklist
1. Home maintenance tips
- Insulate windows and doors
Make sure to properly seal doors and windows so that warm air doesn’t escape your indoor area. You can weatherstrip your home around door and window frames and use caulk to fill cracks and gaps in your property.
- Check your heating system
Schedule a professional inspection of your heating system to ensure it is working with the required efficiency to get you through the winter. An inspection and maintenance service also reduces the chance of your system breaking down when you need it the most.
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Inspect the roof
If your roof has cracks, missing shingles or any other damage, it could lead to water infiltration as snow and ice will cover your roof completely. It’s recommended therefore to inspect your roof in advance to avoid roof leak or ceiling water damage when winter gets into full flow.
2. Energy-saving tips
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Optimize thermostat settings
Set your thermostat at low when you’re away or asleep to cut down on heating bills. If required, upgrade to a programmable thermostat that changes temperature automatically and therefore offers you superior energy efficiency.
- Use energy-efficient lighting
LED bulbs not only come with a longer lifespan but also assure you of fewer replacements and reduced maintenance costs. Another significant benefit is, this mode of lighting also emits significantly less heat. Replace incandescent lights with LED bulbs wherever possible, to save electricity and increase overall comfort.
3. Winter Safety Tips
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Fireplace and chimney
If there is a fireplace in your house, regularly inspect and clean your chimneys. Use screens to prevent sparks from the fireplace. Also, make it a point to not leave the fireplace unattended if you’ve lit a fire.
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Prevent frozen pipes
Insulate pipes in unheated areas and also allow faucets to drip during extremely cold nights to prevent frozen pipes.
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Clear pathways and driveways
Make sure to keep walkways and driveways clear of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls. Use salt or sand to improve traction.
4. Emergency restoration services
Even after you have prepared your home to this extent, emergencies can always occur unannounced. This is when emergency cleanup companies come into play. Whether it’s water damage from a burst pipe or fire damage, immediate action is crucial. You can minimize the risk of bigger damages by contacting property restoration companies on time.
Restoration 1 of Chester County: Your emergency restoration partner
Restoration 1 of Chester County stands out as a reliable source for emergency restoration services in the greater Philadelphia area, Our expert team is equipped to handle water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, and more. When disaster strikes, do not hesitate to call us at 610-638-7605 for swift and effective restoration services.
