Is Your Cottage Ready for Winter?
Published 10th December, 2021
Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-wooden-house-covered-with-snow-3609835/
The mercury is steadily dropping and the first snowfalls have arrived. Icy temperatures and frozen water can cause major problems with your house and yard. Getting your residence winter-ready is notoriously difficult once December rolls around. So, there is no better time than now to take care of any last-minute preparations.
The Heating System
In the subzero temperatures of winter, the heating system is the most important element for a home. If you haven’t done so yet, give your heating system a test run to see if the furnace is easily pumping out warm air. Some small issues can be fixed on your own but it’s best to call a qualified service technician if you meet any complex problems.
Remember to replace old, used air filters with new ones fitted for your furnace to ensure smooth airflow and an environment free of pollutants. Check and clean all heating vents and exhaust vents to remove any obstacles or accumulated debris that may impede proper ventilation.
If you have a propane or fuel oil furnace, make sure that the fuel storage tank is full and that you have a small emergency supply of fuel. If you don’t have a working carbon monoxide alarm or test badge yet, it’s best to install one now to detect any dangerous exhaust leaks early.
The Air-Conditioning System
With the cold of winter approaching, many people forget about their air conditioning systems. But it still requires some attention before it’s completely set aside for the season.
The condensing unit of the cooling system should be thoroughly cleaned with a high-pressure spray to remove dust from the fan blades and condensing coils. Then, the condensing unit should be covered with a waterproof cover that will protect it from the elements.
By cleaning and covering a condensing unit, you can prevent its internal components from getting wet, rusting, and freezing, thus extending the unit’s future performance and service life.
The Fireplace and Chimney
For those of us with a wood-burning fireplace and chimney, a quick inspection and service can avoid major cold air leaks and fire safety risks. You can check the chimney draft with a small fire made of newspaper. If the smoke does not rise up the chimney efficiently, you may need to call in a professional chimney sweep to remove obstacles.
Animals such as birds, squirrels, or bats may have also nested in your chimney over time. In such cases, call a humane wildlife removal organization to ensure that the animals are safely relocated and that your chimney is free from blockage.
Fully open and close your chimney damper several times and check that it locks firmly in the desired position. Inspect the fireplace and repair any open mortar joints as these can become a serious fire hazard.
The Roof and Gutters
The roof is another important place to inspect before the arrival of winter. Make sure that you wear well-fastened non-skid shoes to perform the inspection safely or hire a professional to do the job.
Check for loose, damaged, or missing shingles as well as examine the flashing around the chimney. Loose or broken shingles and deteriorated flashing can allow water to seep into your roof and leak from the ceiling.
While you’re up there, inspect the gutters and downspouts to ensure that they’re tightly attached. Remove any leaves or debris as clogged gutters can cause a build-up of water which can freeze and break your gutters.
The Water Pipes
Simple water supply pipes can sometimes cause outrageously expensive repairs. Water trapped in exposed pipes can freeze and cause a burst that results in severe property damage. Therefore, if you’re preparing your cottage for the off-season, you should turn off the water supply and drain the entire plumbing system.
If you’re preparing your winter home, the water supply to exterior faucets or hose bibbs should be shut off and the water in the relevant pipes drained completely. Garden hoses and sprinklers should be disconnected and stored before the first frost.
Should there be water pipes in your attic or basement that remain exposed and uninsulated, try to wrap them in electrical heating tape and foam insulating sleeves to prevent them from freezing and causing a disruption to your water supply during the winter.
And the Windows
There’re no shortages of windows in our houses and hence plenty of chances for cold air to infiltrate. An easy way to detect air leaks is to close your windows on a windy day and feel around the seals and hinges for escaping air.
Check the moldings for deteriorated caulking and seal any gaps with good quality caulk. Clear the window tracks for debris that may interfere with sealing and test the latches to make sure that they lock securely.
Older windows that use glazing putty may need to have their glazing reapplied. Alternatively, you could switch them to modern double-paned windows that are better for heat retention and insulation. You could even install storm windows that provide extra security during heavy storms.
By taking care of repairs and preparing your house for winter, you can enjoy a cozy sanctuary in the snow and revel in the pleasures of the festive season with peace of mind.