Winter in North Dakota isn’t for the faint of heart. To help ensure a warm winter season for your house and family, you need to properly prepare your home for winter. From checking your heating system to preventing ice damming, here are a few tips on how to winter-proof your home in North Dakota.
Before the temperatures drop below freezing, inspect your heating system. If your home is running an older furnace, you should have it inspected by a professional to ensure it’s running properly and safely. Also, consider replacing your furnace filter to ensure air is being adequately filtered in your home.
You should also examine your roof for any signs of debris. Leaves, branches, and other debris can lead to issues such as ice damming, which can be damaging to your roof and lead to expensive repairs. Remove any debris from your roof, and inspect your gutters for any blockage. When the snow arrives, consider having your roof snow-cleared to prevent any damage.
Check Your Windows and Doors
Your windows and doors are one of the most important areas to inspect for drafts. Inspect around windows and doors for air leaks. You can also invest in weatherstripping or caulk to fill any gaps and cracks. Use plastic to cover windows as an added barrier against cold air.
Also, consider insulating your attic with insulation material. You should have an insulation specialist inspect your attic to determine the right amount of insulation for your home.
Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes can wreak havoc on your home. To prevent frozen pipes, you should insulate any exposed pipes, particularly pipes in your basement, garage, or attic. Use foam pipe covers or electrical heating cables to seal off all cold air.
Also, consider leaving the taps slightly open, so any water leftover in the pipes has an opportunity to expand if frozen. In addition, make sure to disconnect any hoses and cover outdoor faucets to prevent them from freezing during the winter season.
Check for any insulation near your pipes to ensure they are not exposed to cold air. Improper pipes insulation can lead to frozen pipes as exposed pipes tend to freeze first during cold weather.
Winter-Proof Essential Equipment
- Service your furnace to ensure it’s running at peak performance.
- Check around windows and doors for air leaks.
- Remove debris and blockage from your roof and gutters.
- Cover windows with plastic material.
- Insulate your attic and pipes with foam for protection.
- Disconnect any outdoor hoses and faucets.
Lessen Heating Bills with Alternatives
An effective way to lower your heating costs is to use alternative methods of home heating. Invest in space heaters to generate heat without having to turn your main furnace on. Also, consider buying a wood stove for your home. Wood stoves not only provide additional heat, but also a cozy atmosphere during cold winter months. During an extended cold spell, you can even unplug your refrigerator to reduce electricity costs.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for winter in North Dakota requires extra attention. From heating to insulation to alternative methods of home heating, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your home is winter-proofed and safe.