The temperatures outside may still be cool and comfortable – not yet creeping into “chilly” weather – but that will undoubtedly change within a couple of months. Getting your home ready for colder weather isn’t a complicated job, but it does require a little planning.
Here are a few things you can do leading up to those frigid January and February mornings.
Keep Heat in and Cold Out
The last thing anybody wants is their furnace clunking out in the middle of a cold spell. The best precaution against this is to have your local HVAC tech come out and do a check-up (this should also be done in the spring). For between $175 and $250, you can ensure that your system is running properly and avoid more expensive emergency repairs.
Another important plan of action is to seal up any draft windows or doors. Re-caulking windows that may have cracks will prevent cold air from seeping in and warm air from seeping out. This will not only keep your home warmer but will keep energy costs lower because your heat system won’t have to work as hard.
Prep Your Yard
If you’re sick of yard work by the time November rolls around, then winter will provide some needed relief. After raking the last of the leaves, give your yard a final mow to mulch up any remaining leaves. This will help put nutrients back in the soil and benefit your lawn in the spring.
Another good course of action is to trim back any dead tree branches and prune shrubs and bushes. The former will help reduce branches breaking off in the case of snow, and the latter will help foster new growth in the spring.
Check Your Roof
If you think your roof might have a few loose or damaged shingles, then you’ll want to have a roof inspector give it a look before winter hits. Winter and early spring tend to be the wettest months of the year and can be especially hard on a roof that’s not in tip-top shape.
While you’re up there on the ladder, it would be wise to clean the gutters. You’ll want to wait until most of the leaves have fallen off the trees (nobody wants to clean gutters twice) and get out as much gutter gunk as possible. This will help better divert water away from your home and prevent any possible ice dams.
Winter Emergency Checklist
While Central Texas doesn’t have anything close to Minnesota winters, old man winter can still throw the occasional curveball our way. A winter emergency supply kit can go a long way in keeping your household comfortable – just in case.
Items to have on hand:
- Battery-operated weather radio
- Extra batteries
- Flashlights
- Bottled water
- Jumper cables
- First aid kit
- Ice scraper
- Tow rope
- Cell phone charger
You may also want to consider putting together an emergency kit for your car (be sure to include a warm blanket). With a little bit of prep work, your home can be ready for anything winter throws at it.
If you’d like to learn more about the homes in the master-planned Caliterra community, contact us today.
