Is Your House Winter Ready? 6 Things You Need To Do Right Away

 

kansas-city-winterThe air is getting crisp and the leaves are changing in Kansas City, fall is here and winter is coming! It’s time for all those fall home maintenance tasks. We all want to ensure our homes stay warm and in good repair all winter long. Here is a handy fall checklist for homeowners from A+ Insulation to keep you on track:

1. Seal Cracks and Gaps

window-seal

Even tiny cracks and gaps around windows and doors let in the cold winter air and allow the heat to get outside. This means your home is much less comfortable than it should be and your electric bills are much higher than necessary. Spend some time this fall checking for cracks and gaps. Fill in cracks with caulk as needed, and replace any weatherstripping that is missing or old and worn out.  

2. Reverse Your Fans

ceiling-fan

A lot of homeowners mistakenly think of ceiling fans as a summer-only household device, but fans are important in the winter too. Experts recommend switching your fans to a clockwise direction and running them on low in the winter.

 

 

3. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

gutter-cleaning

 

Before the snow starts falling, it’s time to get up on a ladder and inspect your roof and gutters.

 

 

 

4. Have Your Furnace Serviced

furnace-repair-service

 

Annual maintenance is an important way to keep your furnace running efficiently and maximizing its lifespan. Your heating and cooling company should check for any issues and make repairs as needed. 

 

 

5. Trim Your Bushes and Trees

tree-service

Overgrown bushes and trees pose many potential hazards for homeowners. Winter storms can cause too-close branches to crash into your roof or windows. Fall is the best time to trim your bushes and trees before the winter weather makes it impossible.

 

6. Check Your Insulation

attic-insulation

If your insulation is lacking, your home will feel cold and drafty no matter how high you turn up the heat. If you’re not sure whether your home has enough insulation, have us come by to measure your insulation and add more if needed. A properly insulated home is much more comfortable and results in lower energy bills year-round.

 

Complete these fall tips around your home to gain peace of mind, a more comfortable home, lower energy bills, and to prevent damage to your house.

 

Need help to make your home more energy efficient? Contact us or call us at (913) 281-2250 or (816) 268-7511 and learn how the A+ Insulation experts can make your home energy efficient.