How to Winterize Your Home
Essential Tips to Stay Warm During Pittsburgh’s Extreme Cold
Here are some essential tips to help you winterize your home and protect your heating system during the coldest days of the year:
1. Insulate Your Home to Keep the Heat In
The first step to preparing your home for winter is ensuring that your home is properly insulated to keep the warmth in and the cold out. Pittsburgh residents know that the winter months can bring extreme cold, and even small gaps around doors and windows can lead to big energy losses. To combat this, check for drafts around doors and windows and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulking. Not only does this keep the cold from sneaking in, but it also helps keep your heating costs down.
In addition to weatherproofing your doors and windows, you should consider insulating your attic and walls. Insulating your attic is one of the most effective ways to keep your home warm during the winter months, as it prevents heat from escaping through the roof. Adding insulation to your walls can also help your home stay more energy-efficient and comfortable.
2. Tune Up Your Heating System
The cold temperatures in the coming days will require your heating system to be in top form. While it’s never too late for a furnace inspection, getting it professionally serviced is essential to ensure it’s working efficiently. A professional technician can inspect your furnace and make any necessary repairs before the extreme cold hits. This can help prevent unexpected breakdowns when you need heat the most.
Also, remember to replace your furnace filters regularly. Dirty filters reduce airflow and force your heating system to work harder, increasing energy costs and reducing the system’s efficiency. Changing the filters will keep your system running smoothly, ensuring you stay warm throughout the winter without increasing your energy bill.
3. Protect Your Home from Cold-Weather Hazards
Pipes and plumbing are one of the most vulnerable parts of your home when temperatures drop. The last thing you want is a burst pipe flooding your basement or causing damage to your walls. To prevent this, it’s important to insulate your pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements and attics. Insulation can be as simple as wrapping pipes with foam or even layering them with newspaper to prevent freezing.
Additionally, if you're concerned about the possibility of frozen pipes, you can allow faucets to drip slowly with cold water. The American Red Cross recommends this method to help relieve pressure that may build up in the pipes and prevent them from bursting.
In case the worst happens and pipes do burst, it’s a good idea to keep a gallon of drinking water on hand, as suggested by the American Red Cross. Water is not only necessary for drinking but can also be useful in cleaning up any potential mess caused by burst pipes.
Lastly, don't forget about your gutters! Keep them free of leaves and debris so that melting snow can flow freely. Blocked gutters can cause ice dams, which can lead to water damage in your home.
Be Ready for the Cold: Simple Steps Can Save You Big
The extreme cold watch for Pittsburgh is a reminder that winter can be harsh, but a little bit of preparation can make a world of difference. By taking the time to insulate your home, tune up your heating system, and protect your plumbing, you can keep your home comfortable and safe no matter how low the temperatures drop.
If you need assistance finding trusted contractors or have questions about your home’s winter readiness, feel free to reach out! As always, we are here to help with all of your real estate needs and home maintenance tips. Stay warm and safe this winter!
Kimberly Yot and Alyssa Howley
The Yot Howley Group | Piatt Sotheby's International Realty
K: 412-596-7510 | A: 412-951-3344
[email protected]
519 Broad St, Sewickley PA 15143
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