As the snow falls gently to the ground, the sun sets early in the afternoon sky and the sound of chirping birds slowly disappears, the reality that winter has arrived sets in. You get out your winter boots, heavier coat, and your gloves as you prepare for the season. But is your house prepared? Do you know the steps involved in winterizing your home? Just as you would get your home ready for the summer months, the same has to be done in the winter. No clue where to start? We at Workman’s Friend didn’t either. That’s why we did a little research and came up with a list of ‘must dos’ before that first snowfall.
Related: Top 5 Ways to Winterize Your Car
Change the Filters
It’s easy to forget them because they are situated above your head, usually in the ceiling. But it’s very important to change your furnace filters once a month during the heating season. The dirtier your filter is the more airflow it restricts and the more energy it will demand. Using your smartphone consider creating a monthly reminder to check and replace your filters.
Don’t forget, before you start changing any of your filters to apply a layer of Workman’s Friend barrier skin cream. Our hydrating formulation will protect your hands from dirt and grime as you work to change your filters.
Prevent the drafts
Though they were invented during the Great Depression, the draft snake is a homemade tool that is still commonly used today. Whether it is made of a rolled-up towel, old neckties, or scraps of fabric sewn together, the draft snake is placed at the bottom of a door to prevent the cold air from entering the house. It’s also used to stop the warmer air from leaving the house.
Before the colder temperatures arrive examine all of your doors and windows to see if there are any cracks where cold air can enter. If the cost of repairing them is too much, using a draft snake is an easy and inexpensive trick.
Install Storm Doors
By simply installing a storm door you can increase your home’s energy efficiency by 45 percent by sealing drafts and reducing air flow. At the same time they let in light and help properly ventilate your home.
Along the same line are storm windows which can make a huge difference when the cold wind starts blowing. Though it may be an inconvenience getting your storm windows and doors out of the shed or attic to install them, you’ll be grateful you did it when the cooler weather rolls in. Remember to apply a layer of Workman’s Fried barrier skin cream before installing your storm doors. Our hydrating lotion will make it easier to clean your hands once the job is done.
Prepare you’re A/C unit for Winter
Now’s the time to drain your air conditioner’s pipes and hoses of any remaining water. Take this opportunity to clean those hoses and stow them away properly for use next summer. If your A/C unit has a shutoff valve go ahead and turn it off. Close any water spigots around the outside perimeter of your home. Additionally, remove any A/C window units and store them away to avoid unwanted winter drafts from creeping into your home.
Run Fans in Reverse
Most people make the false assumption that ceiling fans are only useful in the summer, to keep rooms cool. The truth is fans are useful year round. Most of today’s fans are equipped with a switch that reverses the direction of the blades. Counter clockwise rotation of the blades creates a cooling breeze however if you switch to clockwise you’ll find your room getting warmer. Air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space. This can reduce your heating bill by as much as 10 percent.
Winter is Coming
Though the official date of winter isn’t until December 21st, for many of us the cold weather arrived weeks ago. Winterizing your home doesn’t have to be a lengthy and arduous process. After you’ve read over our list of suggestions, take a look at your own home and decide how you’re going to prepare it for winter. Then apply a thin layer of Workman’s Friend barrier skin cream and get to work. Winter is coming!
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Workman’s Friend Barrier Skin Cream is light-weight and odorless product. A simple application of our non-greasy, formula means your hands will be moisturized and protected from common irritants.