Even though summer is still in full swing, homeowners should be thinking ahead. The colder months might seem far off now, but they are quick to approach, and being unprepared for their arrival can impact the comfort of your home. This is why it is best to begin preparations before the summer ends.
Creating a home that stays cozy during fall and winter might seem like an easy task, but there are certain aspects that can be missed. Thankfully, this post outlines three of the best practical steps to completely if you want to guarantee a comfortable and toasty home when fall appears.
Check the Condition of Your Attic
During the fall and winter months, attic problems can become more serious and costly. For example, increased rainfall and even snow can exacerbate existing roof issues, such as missing shingles, which could lead to leaks and water damage inside the home. This is why it is important to check your attic during the summer before the weather begins to turn.
A thorough inspection of the attic space is needed to identify any potential problems. Most inspections will include checking for inadequate insulation, moisture, structural damage, and ventilation issues. Once found, these problems can be addressed proactively to prevent costly repairs and maintain a comfortable home temperature.
However, some issues will need professional assistance to protect you and your home. For example, installing attic insulation can pose some health and safety risks, primarily due to potential exposure to fiberglass and insulation materials. If you are unsure about the type of insulation or proper insulation techniques, then you should consider hiring a professional, like Attic Pros.
Ensure Doors and Windows are Sealed Correctly
Sometimes, gaps can be found at doors and windows in a home. These might be very small issues, with some only a few millimeters thick, but they can still result in chilly drafts. When your home is already cold during the fall, and your heating system is turned on, an additional draft can use up more energy and worsen a costly bill.
You should focus on inspecting, cleaning, and sealing gaps around doors and windows. It can be tough to find drafts when there is very little wind outside, but you can use your hand or a candle to detect them around doors and windows. Condensation or frost on the inside of windows can also indicate a poor seal, so be on the lookout for this, too.
Once any drafts have been identified, you can seal them. Caulk, door sweeps, foam tape, and weatherstripping are popular options to do this. There are other measures to consider, too, such as draft stoppers at the base of doors and window insulation film to reduce heat loss, which can be used. Whatever one of these options you use, it will make a difference.
Prepare Your Home’s Heating System
As it is often colder during the fall season, and even more so during winter, your home’s heating system will be put to work. This might be the first time it is used since the previous spring, especially if you have experienced a warm summer. If this is the case, then the heating system might not be in the best condition and might perform inadequately.
While you should schedule a professional service for your boiler annually, there are other areas that you should inspect and maintain. One key aspect to complete is bleeding radiators. This will remove any trapped air from the radiators, ensuring they can heat up evenly and efficiently.
To conclude, the temperature will drop between summer and fall, and it is important to be prepared for this. You should inspect your home thoroughly to identify any areas that need attention, with the attic, doors and windows, and heating system being your three most important targets.