Winterizing your home in Illinois is not something to take lightly. The harsh winter temperatures and biting winds can cause significant damage to your home if not properly prepared. Increased energy costs during winter months is another good reason to make sure your home is properly winterized.
Winterizing your home involves several different aspects such as protecting your exterior, insulating your interior, and making sure your HVAC system is ready for the season. Taking these steps will ensure that your home can withstand the harsh Illinois weather this winter.
While some of these steps may require a professional contractor, in most cases a homeowner can winterize their home with a few simple DIY steps.
Protect Your Exterior
To protect the exterior of your home, you should check for any cracks or damage that needs to be addressed. Use caulk or weatherstripping around windows and doors to prevent air leakage. Inspect the outside of your home for potential access points for pests, and check your roof and gutters for any potential wear and tear or debris.
Insulate Your Interior
When winterizing your home, the next step is to properly insulate the interior. This will help keep warm air trapped inside during winter months. Make sure to check for air leaks and fill any gaps or holes in exterior walls. You can also add insulation to your attic and basement to reduce energy costs.
Additionally, you should inspect any exposed pipes in your home and wrap them with insulation in order to prevent any freezing during cold nights. Make sure to check your water heater and furnace and make sure they are up to date and running efficiently.
Finally, check all windows and doors for drafts. Install curtain panels and caulking to any areas to eliminate drafts and help conserve heat in your home.
Prepare Your HVAC System
Before the winter season hits, make sure to check your HVAC system. Test your furnace and check for any air leaks or damage to the system. Replace the filter if needed and vacuum the air ducts. You can also have a professional inspect the system to make sure that there are no major problems that need to be addressed.
Extra Tips:
- Have your chimney professionally cleaned to prevent any smoke or carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Protect outdoor furniture and grills by covering them or bringing them inside for the winter.
- Drain fuel from any outdoor power equipment such as mowers and trimmers.
- If you’re planning to be away from your home for a long period of time, have a friend or neighbor check on the house every few days.
Conclusion
Winterizing your home is a necessary step to ensure your family’s safety and comfort during those long winter months in Illinois. By following these steps, you can rest assured that your home and your family are prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws their way.