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Winterizing your Raleigh home is an essential undertaking, especially if you don’t like expensive repairs when it’s cold! While it's tempting to wait until it gets colder outside before you get started, this isn't a good idea. Try your best to start winterizing your home before the temperatures drop below 40 degrees.
Re-Caulking Windows
One of the easiest DIY projects to do before winter weather arrives is re-caulking windows. Take a walk around the exterior of your home and examine your windows and doors. if you find damage or insufficiently caulked areas, follow these guidelines. Make sure your window frames are clean and dry. Then, apply exterior grade caulk. Make sure to cover the entire perimeter of the window frame and the gap between the window frame and the siding.
If you notice that some areas of the caulking on your windows are not waterproof, remove the old caulk with a putty knife or screwdriver. After that, apply new caulk, using a proper compound. Allow the caulk to cure for at least one day in temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit and low humidity. You will also need to re-caulk the parts of your windows that move. You can use different types of protection, such as felt, open-cell foam, or even vinyl. Once the caulk has dried, you can apply weather stripping.
Make Sure All Plumbing is Properly Winterized:
Properly winterizing your homes plumbing is a must in order to prevent damage and prevent the need for costly repairs during the cold winter months. The plumbing system can be easily damaged when water freezes as it expands by 8-10 percent. As the water expands, it can cause burst pipes which can be very costly damage.
Before winter sets in, be sure to drain water from outdoor faucets and turn off the main water valve. You should also make sure that your water pipes are adequately insulated so that they do not freeze. Keeping the temperature of your house above 55 degrees will also help prevent pipe damage. If you have a home that is unoccupied, you may want to drain the underground supply line or irrigation system to prevent water damage.
Another way to prevent plumbing problems is to get an air compressor and blow out any water that has accumulated in your pipes. You can do this yourself or call a plumber for assistance. Either way, you should seek professional help if you aren't sure how to go about it.
Besides draining the water supply, you should also make sure your plumbing is adequately winterized. Freezing water expands and creates pressure inside pipes. This pressure can damage pipes and make them inoperable. As a result, winterizing your homes plumbing is essential.
Making sure all of your home's plumbing is properly winterized is an important step to take before the consistently cold weather sets into our area. Here are some vital plumbing tips to help you get your house ready for winter:
1. Inspect all of your home's plumbing fixtures and pipes, both inside and outside, for any signs of leaks or damage.
2. If you have any exposed pipes, insulate them with foam pipe insulation or wrap them with electrical tape to help prevent them from freezing.
3. Drain all outdoor faucets and hose bibs. Store them indoors for the winter to prevent freezing and bursting. Follow basic plumbing procedures for winterizing outdoor spigots.
4. If you have a sprinkler system, have it professionally winterized by a qualified technician to avoid any issues.
Investing in a Furnace or Heat Pump
Investing in a new furnace can be a great way to save money on energy costs but not always necessary. A furnace that's more energy efficient can save you up to 50% on your heating bills which is really something to consider. Not only that, but you may be able to save even more on your heating bills if you replace an older furnace with a high-efficiency model. At a minimum, make sure you change the furnace filters. A furnace that will run efficiently can save you money in the long run, and a furnace with a programmable thermostat can give your system years of service. And the best part is that you may still be able to get a tax credit that covers up to 30% of the cost of a new furnace. (Check with your accountant.)
Heating systems include heat pumps. Heat pumps are a type of heating system that is very common in new homes and especially in the Raleigh NC area. Although they are designed to be durable and efficient, there are still some steps that need to be taken to ensure that they continue to operate properly during the winter months. It would be best to contact your local air expert to have them examine your heat pump unit and go through their list of preventative measures.
Invest in Weather Stripping
Investing in weather stripping for your windows can help keep your home warm in the winter. The best time to winterize your house is before the cold weather begins. Weather stripping prevents drafts from entering your home by sealing gaps and cracks around windows and doors. When installed correctly, weather stripping can prevent the entry of cold air and save you a significant amount of money.
You can also use window insulation kits and foam for doors and windows. These are both inexpensive and easy to install. In addition to sealing off drafts, they also keep melted snow and bugs out. Window insulation films and thick curtains can also help keep out cold air.
Caulking around doors can help you keep your home warmer during the winter months by sealing air leaks. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 30% of a home's energy use can escape through doors that are not properly sealed. There are several inexpensive products that you can use to seal air leaks. While some older homes will require professional installation, DIY winterizing is an easy way to make your home is more energy efficient.
Caulk is a sealant that fills in imperfections in the surface of a door or window. It also keeps out cold air and moisture. Before you begin applying caulk, you should clean and remove any old caulk from doors and windows. You should then use a primer to ensure a good adhesion surface for the caulk.
Investing in Window Inserts or New Windows
If you are winterizing your home, investing in some "indow" window inserts is a solution that could work for you. New windows should have low air leakage ratings, which reduces energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, windows rated as energy-star are more energy-efficient and will reduce household energy costs by up to 12%. But if you have older windows and don’t have the means to buy new ones, consider indow window inserts to reduce cold drafts and noise too.
One of the most common reasons for winterizing your Raleigh home is to keep it warm and keep utility bills down. This process works by preventing cold air entry into your home and retaining the warm air. This helps prevent your home from using excessive energy to offset the cold air. The most common places for cold air entry are windows, doorways, and floors. You can also take measures to prevent air from entering through malfunctioning windows or natural air leaks.
In summary, it is clear that there are many reasons to winterize your Raleigh, NC home. By taking the time to do so, you can save money on your energy bills, reduce the risk of damage to your home, and make your home more comfortable during the cold weather months. With so many benefits, there is no reason not to take steps to winterize your home before the seasons change and cold temperatures are here!
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