As days grow shorter and the thermostat starts to drop, winter is not far. You want to ensure your home is well-prepared for the cold months ahead and will remain comfortable, safe, and efficient. At Service 360 Group, we specialize in heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing services for residential and commercial clients. Following is a comprehensive guide detailing some steps to help your home or office prepare for winter.

Inspecting and Servicing the HVAC System

Your HVAC system is your front line of defense against the chill of winter. Ensuring that it is running efficiently and properly can save you from an untimely breakdown or high energy bills. Here is how to get your HVAC system ready for winter:

Schedule an HVAC Winter Tune-Up

Probably one of the easiest, yet most important, ways to get your home ready for winter is to schedule an HVAC winter tune-up. An HVAC professional will inspect and clean key parts of your heating system and help resolve any problems before you need to start cranking the thermostat up. This will help save money on your energy bill and lower the risk of your heating system going down when temperatures drop to extreme lows.

Replace Air Filters

Dirty air filters can lower the flow of air to your heating system. It will have to work harder to compensate which uses more energy, or worse, you might damage your heating system. Replace the air filters when we are just about to enter into the winter season. Replace them every 1-3 months, depending on the filter type and usage.

Sealing Leaks

Check for damages or leaks in the ducts and seal them. Leaky ductwork can lose a lot of heat making the heating system work more, which increases your energy bill. You can use duct tape or mastic sealant to seal the ductwork yourself or consider having your ducts professionally sealed if necessary.

Test Your Thermostat

Ensure your thermostat is working correctly and set for your winter temperature preference. If you have a programmable thermostat, consider setting different temperatures for specific times of the day. This may help you save even more on your energy bill.

Insulate Your Home

Proper insulation of your home will help maintain a constant and comfortable temperature while saving energy consumption. Follow these steps to help improve your home’s insulation:

Insulate Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors let cold air in and warm air out. Seal any gaps you can with weatherstripping or caulking. Another good measure is to install insulated window coverings or thermal curtains to limit the cold air getting in.

Add Insulation to Attics and Crawl Spaces

Since heat rises, insufficient insulation in your attic could lead to heat escaping from your roof! Inspect the insulation in attics and crawl spaces. Add or replace the insulation of those areas to keep your home warm and reduce energy costs.

Insulate pipes

Exposed pipes in cold areas may freeze and burst, causing tremendous damage. Using foam insulation or heat tape on exposed pipes can keep them from freezing and avoid causing expensive damage.

Get Your Plumbing Ready

Frozen pipes are one of the biggest culprits for issues during winter months. A few precautionary measures can avoid this problem. Here are some tips that will help keep your plumbing safe from freezing when the weather gets chilly:

Insulate Pipes

Pipes running through unheated places like the basement, attic, and crawl spaces should be on top of your list.

Allowing the Faucets to Drip

Whenever the temperatures are really cold, let water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Opening the faucet slightly on very cold nights can prevent your pipes from freezing.

Turn Off Exterior Faucets

Drain and shut off all outside faucets. Drain and roll up garden hoses for the winter. Ice expands, so take the time and make sure all of the water has drained.

Inspect the Outside of Your Home

When it comes to how well your house retains heat, the exterior of your home is as important as the interior. Here are some tips that can help you make sure that the outside of your home is prepared for winter:

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters can create ice dams that allow water to seep into your roof! Eventually, the roof will begin to leak. Clean gutters and downspouts to be certain that water drains properly and eliminate the potential for ice dams.

Inspect Your Roof

Check for loose or missing shingles. Fix any problems with your roof now so that you avoid water infiltration and ice dams. If you do not feel you are up to the task, you may want to hire a professional to ensure that your roof is ready for the winter.

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Look for gaps or openings in the exterior of your home where cold air could be getting in. Fill them with caulk or expanding foam to make your home more energy-efficient.

Prepare for a Power Outage

Winter storms may sometimes cause power outages. Being prepared can make a really big difference in your comfort and safety. Here are some things to consider as you get ready for possible power outages:

Stock Up with the Basics

Keep a supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, and other essential items in case you lose power. Make sure to include extra batteries for flashlights and a battery-powered radio so that you can get weather updates.

Have an Alternative Heating Source

Have some backup heat source—such as a space heater, or a generator. Service 360 Group offers backup generator service and installation. Contact us to schedule a quote today!

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in good working order by replacing batteries as necessary. These will save many lives from various dangers, especially in winter when heating systems are on full throttle.

Service Your Chimney and Fireplace

If you have a fireplace or wood stove, here are some tips to service and get the most out of your heating system:

Cleaning Your Chimney

Schedule professional cleaning to remove creosote formation, which is one of the top causes of chimney fires. This way, you can be sure that your fireplace is working efficiently and safely.

Inspect Your Fireplace

Check your fireplaces for any damage or wear and tear. Exercise your damper to ensure that it works correctly and your flue doesn’t have obstructions in it.

Stock Up on Firewood

Make sure that you have plenty of dry and seasoned firewood if you will be burning in a wood-burning fireplace. You should keep it in a dry place, ready to pop in.

Conclusion

Winterize your home and stay warm all winter long. Things like an HVAC winter tune-up, adding or replacing insulation, or protecting plumbing are all ways that you can be proactive and winterize your home.

If you need help with any of these tasks, Service 360 Group is here for you. We offer expert services in heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing to make sure your home is ready for winter. Contact us today to schedule your HVAC winter tune-up or to get assistance with winterizing your home. Stay warm and safe this winter season!