How can you get your home prepared for winter? There are a few things you can do to increase comfort and decrease your energy costs.
- Have your furnace and water heater inspected and serviced. Set up a yearly maintenance plan with your heating contractor. Now is the perfect time to have your furnace and all its elements, along with vents and other fixtures looked at to make sure they will hold up through the winter.
- Check for leaks. Look for leaks anywhere air can get in and out, generally around door and window frames. You should also take a look at the foundation to see if you find any cracks. There are a variety of sealants available to patch any leaks you find.
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These are important year round, but if you use a fireplace or wood burning stove during winter months, test your detectors to ensure they are in working order.
- Don’t forget the important equipment. Chicagoans understand the importance of a snow blower in the winter. Does yours work? It is also wise to drain gas out of lawn mowers, weed whackers and other spring and summer equipment. The gas sitting inside could freeze or go bad, giving you extra work once winter is over.
Have other concerns about your home heating this winter? Contact Heatmasters and we will be happy to assist you!
