As the winter months approach, preparing your home for colder weather becomes essential to keep it comfortable, efficient, and protected. At Perkinson Homes, we know that a well-built home is designed to withstand seasonal changes, but a few key steps can help ensure it’s ready for winter’s challenges. Winterizing your home not only safeguards it against the cold but also helps save on energy costs and prolongs the life of various home systems.
Insulation
One of the most impactful winterizing steps is ensuring that your home is properly insulated. Adding or updating insulation in key areas, such as the attic, walls, and floors, can prevent heat loss and reduce energy bills. At Perkinson Homes, we build with high-quality materials, but checking for drafts and gaps around windows and doors is still important, as these can let cold air in and warm air out. Sealing these gaps with weatherstripping or caulking is a simple way to improve your home’s efficiency during winter.
Heating
Another area to focus on is your home’s heating system. We install high-performance HVAC systems designed to keep your home warm and efficient, but a little seasonal maintenance is key to ensuring peak performance. Before winter sets in, it’s wise to have your heating system inspected and serviced by a professional. Changing filters regularly and checking vents for blockages will help keep your system running smoothly. Additionally, consider setting your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature or investing in a programmable thermostat to better manage your home’s warmth while saving energy.
Outdoor Winterization
Winterizing extends beyond the home’s interior to outdoor areas as well. For example, preparing your plumbing is essential to avoid frozen pipes, which can lead to costly repairs. Insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, or crawl spaces is a good precaution. Draining outdoor faucets and turning off the water supply to external spigots can further prevent freezing.
Outdoor spaces, including patios, walkways, and driveways, also need some attention to stay safe and functional during winter. Clearing leaves, adding anti-slip mats or mats at entryways, and even keeping snow removal tools handy can help prevent slips and falls. At Perkinson Homes, we incorporate durable outdoor materials, but a little winter prep goes a long way in protecting these surfaces.
With a few proactive steps, your Perkinson custom home will be winter-ready, comfortable, and energy-efficient, no matter how chilly the season gets. Taking the time to winterize now ensures that you can relax and enjoy the season’s beauty from the warmth and safety of your home.
