Throughout the country, we’ve already seen unseasonably cold temperatures this year. If your home has a constant chill, you may be wondering what you can do to keep your heating costs under control and improve comfort. There are a few DIY home maintenance tasks you can do that will help not only this winter, but all year long.
1. Head Into the Attic
Your attic may not have adequate insulation based on today’s recommendations. This is especially true if your home was built before the 1980s. To find the recommended amount for your area, visit the Insulation Institute. Also, be sure to look for leaking ductwork which can allow heat to escape into your attic rather than going into your home.
Many people don’t realize that once insulation gets wet, it needs to be replaced. If you’ve had a roof leak or overflowing gutters that allowed water into your attic, you should inspect and replace the insulation as needed. If you don’t have gutter covers and start to look into the cost of gutter covers including materials and installation, and then factor in not needing to replace your insulation again, you will find the cost is quite reasonable.
2. Check Windows & Doors
If your windows have not been maintained, chances are they’re not airtight. You want the sealant around your windows, both inside and out, to be free of breaks and cracks. If yours are drafty, your local home improvement store can help you choose the right type of sealant to keep drafts out. Doors have weatherstripping that needs to be replaced from time to time. If you hear your door moving when the wind blows against it, you likely need new weatherstripping.
3. Seal Pipes
Your pipes are gateways into your home. If they aren’t properly sealed, they’re also letting in cold air. You can find spray foam at your local home improvement store that will seal any gaps around your pipes. This will also help reduce the chance of your pipes freezing this winter. Don’t forget to drain and wrap or cover your exterior hose bibs to help prevent a burst pipe.
4. Inspect the Roofing System
Your roofing system includes the fascia, soffits, shingles and gutters. If you have clogged gutters, your home is more likely to develop ice dams in the winter. That’s why one of the often-seen comments in reviews of rain gutter guards is that homeowners have to deal with fewer ice dams! You’ll also avoid some kinds of roof leaks and water in your basement.
When it comes to reviews of rain gutter guards, you won’t find more five-star reviews than those from Gutter Helmet® customers. Not only does Gutter Helmet offer the best gutter covers, we also install the Helmet Heat® ice reduction system to help reduce ice dam formations. If you want to learn about the cost of gutter covers for your home, call (800) 824-3772 to schedule a free estimate. You can also fill out our contact form and we’ll have the nearest installer call you back!
