When the outside temperature drops, home winterization can pay off in several ways. While the weather in any season may impose stresses on a house, conditions in winter are very specific. Home winterization protects structural materials, lowers monthly utility costs, and reduces wear and tear on heating-system components. As the calendar turns and the temperature drops, here are some home winterization suggestions to get your home through another cold season.

• Clear the gutters. Obstructions in gutters can block the flow of rain or melting snow and ice. This may cause the gutter to overflow and damage exterior walls below. Keeping leaves and other obstructions out of gutters is a good preventative measure.
• Keep pipes warm. Pipes usually don’t freeze until temperatures dip into the 20s, at which point pipes may be at risk of rupture. Insulate pipes that may be exposed to freezing outdoor temperatures. If a very severe freeze is forecast, open indoor faucets so they drip slowly and keep water flowing through pipes. This can help prevent freezing and rupture.
• Eliminate air leaks. It’s a fact of physics: Warm air naturally flows out of the house into the colder outside environment. Stop it by eliminating gaps and cracks that let warmth escape. This includes renewing weatherstripping around doors and windows and identifying and sealing any structural openings.
• Evaluate the insulation. Attic insulation is what keeps rising heat down in the living spaces where it belongs. Have a qualified HVAC contractor evaluate the amount and condition of insulation to ensure it meets current Department of Energy recommendations.
• Schedule an annual furnace tune up.  Your furnace gets a workout in winter. Make sure it’s up to the task of keeping your home warm safely and efficiently. A heating system tune up by a certified heating technician ensures that the system meets all standards for safe operation and effective heating. If your heating system is still under warranty, annual inspections are required to keep the warranty valid.

For more home winterization suggestions, talk to the experienced professionals at Jackson & Sons.