As winter approaches, it’s important to prepare your home to ensure it’s ready for the colder temperatures and harsh weather conditions. This is especially true for homeowners in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, where winters can be particularly chilly. Here’s a checklist of things you can do to prepare your home for the cold season, along with some energy-saving tips to help you keep your home warm and cozy without breaking the bank.
Check your heating system
Make sure your heating system is in good working order before the cold weather hits. Have a professional come in and inspect your fireplace and flue system to ensure it’s not backed up. Change your air filters and consider installing a programmable thermostat to help you save on energy costs.
Inspect your windows and doors
Check your windows and doors for any gaps or leaks that could let in cold air. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps and add insulation to your windows if necessary. You can also consider installing storm windows or doors for extra insulation.
Clean your gutters
Clean your gutters of any debris or leaves to ensure they don’t get clogged and cause water damage to your home. This is especially important in areas like the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, where heavy rains can be common in the winter months. This is not only important to avoid damage caused by overflowing gutters, but also to store rainwater for next summer.
Insulate your windows
These days the addition of curtains to a house is often overlooked. This can be for aesthetic reasons, but those that don’t have curtains will be a lot colder in winter. The insulation properties of curtains come from their ability to trap air between the curtain and the window, creating a barrier that prevents cold air from seeping into your home and warm air from escaping. This is especially important during the winter months when energy costs can skyrocket due to the need to heat your home.
Curtains can also help to block out drafts, which are a common source of heat loss in many homes. By hanging curtains over drafty windows or doors, you can create an extra layer of protection against the cold air outside. Additionally, curtains can help to reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home during the summer months, which can help keep your home cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning.
Inspect your roof
Check your roof for any damage or leaks that could allow water to seep into your home. Have a professional come in and inspect your roof to ensure it’s in good condition and repair any damage before the winter hits.
Stock up on emergency supplies
Make sure you have emergency supplies on hand in case of power outages or other emergencies. This can include blankets, torches, batteries, and non-perishable food items. Ensure you have food that doesn’t require electricity to prepare it. Even just having a stockpile of cereal and canned fruit will make times without electricity much easier.
Use energy-saving strategies
To save on energy costs during the winter months, consider using energy-saving strategies like putting any central heaters on timers and turning them off when you’re not home or using a space heater in the rooms you spend the most time in. If you have a fireplace or slow-combustion heater it can pay to put off lighting it until later in the day. Unless you have an unlimited supply of wood to burn it can be costly having it burning all day.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your home is ready for the cold season and stay warm and cozy all winter long. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start preparing your home for winter today!
