12 Ways To Ready Your Home Interior For Winter

As the colder weather starts to creep in, it’s essential to take some time to ready your home interior for winter. Not only will implementing these tips make your home more comfortable and cozy during the winter months, but they can also help improve your overall health.

Here are twelve simple tasks homeowners can do to ready their home interior for the Northeast winter season.

Check window seals – One of the main ways cold air can seep into your house is through cracks or gaps in the windows and window seals. Drafts can make your home feel cold and uncomfortable and lead to increased energy costs. Inspect your windows for any cracks or gaps, and seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping as needed.

Check your HVAC System – It’s essential to inspect your unit before the winter months. During this time, you’ll want to make sure that leaves and debris are not clogging up the outdoor unit or preventing airflow into your home. If any parts of the system are not working correctly, contact a professional for their repairs today. By keeping your HVAC system running at optimal levels, you can help keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long.

Insulate Your Home – One of the best ways to stay warm during the winter is to insulate your home correctly. If you have any exposed pipes, be sure to wrap them in insulation to prevent them from freezing. Frozen pipes that burst can cause a lot of water damage, so it’s essential to take precautions to prevent this from happening. In addition, make sure your home has enough insulation by checking your attic and basement. Any areas lacking insulation should get covered to help preserve heat and combat cold outdoor temperatures.

Apply Protective Window Film – Another way to prevent heat loss in your home is by applying an interior protective window film. This type of specialized film will help keep the warm air in your home and help reduce energy costs. Window films are available in various thicknesses and can provide additional UV protection – perfect for those living near the coast.

Install a Programmable Thermostat – A programmable thermostat can help you save energy and money during the winter months. By setting your thermostat programming to lower temperatures when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping, you can reduce your overall energy consumption.

Clean your ductwork – The ductwork in your home can become a hotbed for dust, dirt, and other allergens during the winter. Not only can dirty ductwork make your home less comfortable, but it can also lead to respiratory problems and increased energy costs. Make it a routine to clean your ductwork at least once every year, more often if you or another household member suffers from allergies or respiratory problems.

Check your fireplace – If you plan on using your fireplace this winter, it’s essential to ensure everything is in solid working condition before starting a fire. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional, and check to ensure that the flue is open so smoke can escape. According to statistics, an average of 7,800 home fires get sourced back to flue problems every year.

Check your water heater – An insulated water heater is healthier for you and your home. For example, while an uninsulated tank could be subjecting your family to 91°F water temperatures, a properly maintained tank will deliver plenty of hot water for all of your household needs. Inspect the insulation around your tank, and add more if needed. You can also wrap your tank in an insulation blanket for added protection in keeping your hot water at ideal levels.

Install a carbon monoxide detector – According to statistics from the CDC, more than 400 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide inhalation. Ideally, carbon monoxide detectors should get installed on every level of your home for maximum safety. Carbon monoxide has no odor – unlike natural gas – which smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. However, malfunctioning heating systems, including fireplaces, portable propane, or natural gas-powered heaters, can produce it. In addition, without ventilation, carbon monoxide can build up within your home. Any exposure to carbon monoxide is unsafe and unhealthy. It can lead to serious neurological problems and even death if levels are high enough.

Invest in backup power supply – While you’re preparing for winter, it’s also essential to plan in case of a power outage. As you prepare your home interior for the colder months, be sure to have a backup power supply on hand if you lose electricity during an outage. By doing so, you can help ensure that you and your family have access to power, even if it’s limited.

Finish any home updates – This could include installing a smart thermostat, updating adding protective film to windows to reduce heat loss, or adding lighting where you have none. By completing these updates before winter hits, you’ll be ready to take advantage of the benefits right away.

Invest in deep cleaning and sanitizing – Not only is it essential to clean your home regularly, but it’s also important to invest in a deep cleaning and sanitizing session before the winter months. Professional cleaning services effectively remove built-up dirt, dust, and allergens that lead to respiratory problems. Sanitizing can also help reduce the number of germs and viruses in your home. In a time when germs, bacteria, and viruses are all hot topics, investing in a deep clean and sanitizing treatment can help keep your home as healthy as possible.

Winter weather can be challenging for everyone and on a home. But, by taking steps to ready your home interior for winter, you can make the season a lot more comfortable and relaxing.

These are a few of the ways you can ready your home interior for winter. If you live in Eastern MA and could help deep clean your home, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Steph Co Cleaning!

We’re always happy to offer no-obligation estimates to residential and commercial clients in Eastern Massachusetts, including Norfolk County, Suffolk County, Bristol County, Plymouth County, Boston, Quincy, Brockton, Taunton, and surrounding communities.