Time to Winterize! Five Tips to Get You Started

It’s not too early to begin preparing your home for the winter (and we’re sorry to say: it’s definitely on its way if not already here with the snow and frost we’ve had . . . ). Here are five tips to help you begin to winterize so that you can keep your home in tip-top shape and be prepared for any snow, ice, and freezing temps that may lay ahead. For purposes of space we’re limiting our list, but don’t hesitate to give us a call (847-572-5252) if you have questions and need more assistance protecting your home from our well-known Chicago winters.

1. Protect the Pipes

Plumbing is particularly vulnerable to freezing during the cold weather, which can cause pipes to burst and potentially result in some very expensive repair costs. Some pipes are more prone to freezing than others, including those that are exposed in unheated areas of the home, pipes along outside walls, and any plumbing on the exterior of the home. A simple tip is to let the faucet drip with warm water during extreme cold weather, which can help prevent a pipe from freezing and possibly bursting. Take a moment to locate your water main just in case you have to shut it off in an emergency.

2. Furnace Inspection

If you haven’t already, contact an HVAC professional to inspect the furnace and clean all the ducts. Stock up on furnace filters and commit to changing them each and every month during the winter to keep the furnace running as efficiently as possible. Now is also a good time to consider investing in a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. And, very important: remove all flammable material from the area surrounding the furnace.

3. Fireplace Safety

When was the last time you cleaned your fireplace? If it hasn’t been scrubbed in a while, contact a chimney sweep to remove all soot and creosote. Inspect the fireplace damper to make sure that it opens and closes properly. Also be sure to check the mortar between the bricks and do some tuck pointing work, if necessary. Stock up on firewood, and be sure to store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.

4. Decrease the Draft – Install Storm Doors and Windows

Installing storm doors and windows will seal drafts and reduce airflow into the home, increasing energy efficiency by up to 45 percent. Storm doors also offer greater flexibility for letting light and ventilation enter your home. Replacing entire windows to correct insulation problems can be costly, so consider purchasing energy-efficient blinds instead, to best capture the heat.

5. Check the Foundation and Exterior of the Home

Inspect the exterior of the home for crevice cracks and seal them. When left untreated, cracks can expand and cause significant damage. Use weather stripping around doors, and caulk windows to prevent cold air from entering the home. An easy method to check for leaks is to have someone on the outside blow a hair dryer around each window while you hold a candle or lighter inside. If the flame flickers or goes out, you need to caulk or weather strip around the frame.

Orren Pickell’s name has become synonymous with outstanding design and quality construction from forty years of innovative methods and demanding attention to detail. Throughout his career, Orren’s philosophy has remained unchanged: provide customers with the highest level of service in all areas and work diligently to offer the greatest value for every project. Orren has assembled a dedicated, experienced team of professionals who share his enthusiasm for this industry and he has been honored with more awards for design creativity and construction excellence than any builder in the Midwest. He enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a premiere custom homebuilder, with satisfied customers and magnificent projects throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan. Visit www.pickellbuilders.com to learn more.