15 Steps for Winterizing Your Home

Cold weather can do a lot of damage to your home. And with the coldest months ahead, there is still time to take action and protect against the worst of it. From cleaning your gutters to considering replacement windows in Vista, CA, here are a few steps you can follow to prepare your home for winter:

1. Clean Out Gutters. To prevent ice dams you need to clear your gutters of leaves and debris so the water can drain easily.

2. Trim Low Hanging Branches. Though the weight of snow might not be a huge concern, you should still keep your trees neatly trimmed to promote healthy growth.

3. Clean and Store Yard Tools. Wipe off yard tools and store them in a dry garage or shed to prevent rust and damage.

4. Clear Outdoor Condenser Unit. It is also time to turn off your A/C unit. Clear away debris from the outdoor unit and cover it for winter.

5. Seal Exterior Gaps. Use foam insulation or caulk to seal the gaps around seams, vents, pipes, and faucets. This will stop heat loss and keep pests out.

6. Adjust the Thermostat. HVAC professionals recommend you keep the thermostat at 68 degrees in winter, which is comfortable enough for occupants without constantly running the furnace.

7. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. It might be time to upgrade to a smart thermostat if you want to improve the efficiency of our home and still have temperature control even while you are away.

8. Replace Furnace Filters. During seasons of peak use, you should check your air filters every month and replace them when they are clogged. This keeps the system running efficiently.

9. Run Ceiling Fans in Reverse. Running the fans clockwise helps force the warm air collecting at the ceiling back down into the livable space.

10. Install Insulating Curtains. Swap out thin summer curtains for cellular shades or thick drapes to help insulate windows and reduce heating costs.

11. Check Caulk and Weather Stripping. Take time to examine your windows and test for leaks. If you notice any gaps seal them off with caulking or weather stripping.

12. Replace Broken Locks and Latches. Winter is also a good time to replace broken locks and latches on your windows so you can have peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure.

13. Replace Broken Glass. If you have a broken window pane you should get that replaced before winter to restore the efficiency of your window.

14. Install Storm Windows. If you need the extra protection and insulation you might consider installing storm windows.

15. Consider Replacement Windows. If the windows in your home are more than 15 years old and you have been noticing more and more problems, it might be time to invest in replacement windows.

If you are ready to upgrade your windows contact Pelican Replacement Windows at (760) 598-6422. We specialize in selling and installing replacement windows in Vista, CA. Our team offers the highest level of customer service. To find out more visit us at 2210 La Mirada Dr., Vista, CA 92081.