September is flying by, and with each passing day the weather is getting colder. Winter is coming up fast, and with it comes cold windows and doors. Winterize your home so that you can come home to a warm house and get cozy on the couch. By winterizing your home now, you can make sure that you’re ready for guests to come over and stay warm during the holiday season.
By winterizing your doors and windows, you’re also making sure that your house remains thermal efficient so you don’t get those dangerous icicles hanging off of your eaves.
Here are 5 Ways for Winterizing Your Home
Caulking
Winterize your windows by replacing the caulking around your windows to make sure that there is no draft coming into your house. Wipe the surfaces dry with a clean cloth. Then, apply a fresh bead of caulk around the outside perimeter of the window, creating a wind-blocking seal between the frame and the siding. Make sure you are using exterior-grade caulk.
Gutters
Make sure you clean out your gutters so that water can flow freely. This helps prevent icicles and ice dams from forming later. This will save you from the dangerous task of having to knock down icicles.
Filters
Regularly change your filters in your central air and heating system so that you can maintain its efficiency. This will make your system last longer and also save you money on your heating and cooling bill.
Thermostat
Lower your thermostat during the day, when you’re not at home, and raise it a couple of degrees when you are at home. This will help you save money on your heating bill!
Shades
Install some thick, dark curtains or shades to hang over your windows. By keeping them closed as frequently as possible, especially during the night, you will help keep out the cold and keep in the heat!
Wintering Planning
Remember to make a plan in advance. Leaving this task to the last minute could result in a cold, drafty house that no one will want to visit over the holidays!
Windows and doors are not meant to last forever. They should be replaced every 15-20 years to maintain their efficiency. Make sure that windows are replaced when there is a dry, warm weather forecast so you’re not scrambling to replace them in the rain or worse, snow. Our windows are energy efficient, have burglar protection with our Protectolite option and low maintenance glass for easy cleaning.
Doors should be replaced when you notice a draft or if they’re not opening and closing as easily as they once did. Our doors are energy efficient, making them a money-saving investment for the long term.
Visit one of our showrooms to browse our selection of energy-efficient windows and doors to help make winterization, and saving money this winter, easy.