You only have to live in Salt Lake City for one winter to know that the temperatures can get downright freezing. With winter high temperatures averaging in the high 30s and average lows in the 20s, Salt Lake City homeowners need to make sure that they are prepared for the cold winter ahead. Part of this preparation involves getting your home ready to brave the elements. Below, we’ll talk about why it’s important to prepare your Utah home for winter and share some ways that you can start today.
Why You Need to Prepare Your Home for Winter
As the weather starts to get colder and snow becomes inevitable, it is important to prepare your home for the elements. It’s best to start winterizing your home in the fall before it starts to get too cold. Preparing your Salt Lake City home for winter can help prevent damage to your home and help you save energy when it comes to heating. In the end, winter preparation helps you save money by cutting down on energy waste and potential repairs due to home damage.
Winter Home Preparation Tips
Here are just a few steps that you can take to winterize your home to keep your family safe and comfortable through the coldest months of the year:
- Make sure doors and windows are sealed. Little cracks around doors and windows allow heat to escape during the winter months. When this happens, your heater has to work harder to keep your home a comfortable temperature. Ultimately, this heat loss results in wasted energy and increasing electricity bills. By applying a little caulk to cracks around doors and windows, you can help prevent this heat loss and heat your home more efficiently.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and dangerous gas that can cause health issues if found in your home. Heating season is a common time for carbon monoxide leaks, which can impact your family’s health. Similarly, the holiday season is also a time when families are at higher risk for heating hazards. Making sure that your detectors are working properly can keep your family safe this winter.
- Change furnace filters and get a tune-up. Most HVAC companies recommend getting an HVAC tune-up at least once a year. Fall is the perfect time to make sure that your heater or furnace is ready to keep your home warm in the cold months ahead. During the tune-up, an experienced HVAC technician will check your furnace for efficiency and make sure that the system is clean and functioning properly.
- Clean chimneys. You should have a professional clean your chimney every year or every other year, depending on how often you use it. You can inspect the chimney yourself to determine if there are any blockages. However, a professional will ensure that there is no internal damage.
Need help getting your HVAC system ready for winter? The professionals at HVAC construction are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a furnace tune-up.
