Winter is coming, and you know what that means. It is time to prepare your home to tackle the harsh weather. Although winter in Australia may not be as harsh as in other parts of the world, it is still important to prepare your home for the same. Taking a preventive approach can help you stay warm and also save you money on energy bills and costly repairs.
Seal Windows And Doors
Sealing windows and doors is the first thing you should do when preparing your home for the winters. Gaps or cracks in the window frame can allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to leave. This will also lead to increased energy bills.
You are going to need a Caulk, Caulking gun, Weatherstripping, Screwdriver, Utility knife, and Scissors for this task. Inspect all the window and door frames in your house and check for any gaps or cracks that need to be filled. Use the caulking gun to seal the cracks. Smooth out the caulk with your finger or a caulking tool.
Use weatherstripping to seal gaps between the frame and sash or between the door and frame. You are going to need the utility knife or scissors to cut the strips accordingly. Finally, run your hands across the frame and check for any air leaks, just to be sure.
Check Insulation
You will be able to identify areas where heat may be escaping by checking the insulation.
First and foremost, get all the protective gear ready, such as gloves and safety glasses. You will also need a flashlight, tape measure, screwdriver, utility knife, and insulation if needed. Locate the places in your house where insulation is installed, such as the attic, walls, and floors. Check the level of insulation using a measuring tape and compare it with the recommended insulation level for your area. If your insulation is below the recommended level, you may need to add more insulation.
Check if there is any damage to the insulation that can allow heat to escape. Use a flashlight to look for any areas where insulation is missing or damaged, such as around pipes or electrical fixtures. Remove the damaged insulation using a screwdriver or utility knife and replace it with a new one.
Check Heating System
Would it not be annoying for the heating system to break down on a chilled winter night. A malfunctioning or inefficient heating system can also result in higher energy bills. Once again, get your safety materials, screwdriver, flashlight, and replacement filters.
First turn on the heating system and let it run for a few minutes to check whether it is working properly or not. Check the air filters and see if they are dirty or clogged. It is normal for dirt to accumulate over time, just ensure to clean it regularly. Then inspect the thermostat. If it is broken, replace it.
Finally check for any leaks. Those can be hazardous.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
If it snows in your area, this will ensure that it gets enough space to flow freely, away from your home. If gutters and downspouts are clogged, it can cause further damage.
You are going to need a Ladder, Bucket, Gutter scoop or trowel, and a Garden hose for this one. Use the gutter scoop to remove any debris and place them in the bucket for disposal. If there is any stubborn debris or buildup, a gutter cleaning brush can help you scrub it away.
For the downspouts, a downspout snake can help you remove the debris.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
This is going to be beneficial in case it storms in your area. Overgrown trees or diseased ones can pose a threat to your house during a winter storm.
You are going to need Pruning shears, Lopping shears, Hand saw, and Pole saw or pruner for this job. Start by removing the diseased and dead branches. Then use the pruning shears to remove overgrown branches. If there are any branches hanging over power lines, roofs, or other structures, use a pole saw to trim those.
Handyman Services for Winter Preparation
Jim’s Handyman services can help you prepare for winter without breaking a sweat. They provide handyman services in Melbourne and Sydney. If you are looking for a Local Handyman Near me, give Jim’s Handyman a call. Do not worry, they will provide you with a no obligation price quote.
