Seattle can be a great place to live as there is a good economy, many local recreational activities to enjoy and stay active, and generally reasonable weather. One time of the year that you can experience more cold weather which could put a strain on your home is the winter. While winters here are milder than in many other cities across the country, there are still various winterization tips that you should follow to ensure your home is prepared for the winter months ahead.
Switch Out HVAC Filters
One of the tips that you should follow as you prepare your home for winter in Seattle is to switch out your HVAC filters. Your home’s furnace and air conditioner are necessary to keep your home comfortable and safe throughout the year. The filters ensure that debris is blocked and can help to protect these important appliances. Generally, you should plan on switching these filters out a few times per year. Going to your local hardware store and getting new filters for your HVAC unit should be done before the weather cools.
Have Appliances Serviced
In addition to replacing your filters, it would also be a good idea to have your home HVAC and other appliances serviced. During the warmer months of the year, your furnace may not need to work much to keep your home warm. Because of this, you need to make sure that it is ready for the colder months ahead. Having it inspected and tuned up once per year before the start of the colder months can ensure it is ready to go when you need it.
Insulate Your Home
Another tip to follow before the start of any winter in Seattle is to have your home insulated. With the cost of energy increasing dramatically in recent years, you will want to be able to reduce your heat usage as much as you can. One effective way this can be done is by ensuring your house is properly insulated. This part of the process can include ensuring there are no drafts in your windows, chimney, doors, or other entry points. Not only can this help to keep your home warm, but you will enjoy reduced energy bills as well.
Get Ready for Ice
While Seattle is not as cold as some climates, it does get a lot of moisture and even a slight drop below the freezing point can lead to ice. It is important that you are prepared for this as the winter arrives. You should always have salt and de-icer available at your home. Ensuring that concrete gets plenty of sunlight and slopes the right way can also prevent the buildup of ice.
Ensuring that your home is prepared for the colder Seattle winters is very important. When your home is prepared for winter, it can help you avoid excess heating bills, ineffective appliances, and unnecessary wear and tear. There are various home winterization tips that anyone can complete to ensure they are ready for the cold months ahead.