"Winter is coming," says House Stark, one of the Great Houses of Westeros, but also literally winter is coming, though that does not mean there's only doom and gloom—that is if your home is ready for winter.

Summer is well and truly over, so we must prepare for the cooler months by winter-proofing our homes. Heating and cooling account for around 38% of total energy usage in an average home. After a challenging year, you may be worried about the cost of your heating bill this winter. Moreover, you don't want to become a snowman in your own house. Don't worry! We're here to share with you 7 cost-effective ways to winter-proof your home:

Check your Roof and Eavestroughs

To prepare your home for cold conditions, managing water flow is a primary issue. Reduce the number of spots in the gutters and downspouts where liquid can freeze and expand, which in turn would be causing leaks.

If you've recently purchased a brand-new home, you're probably fine with your roof insulation. On the other hand, older homes may require insulation inspection or installation, especially because the ceiling can lose up to 35% of your home's heat. A well-insulated home keeps your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, lowering your energy expenditures significantly.

Shut Off your Outside Water Supply

It is essential to pay attention to water sources and to shut the water off before the ground freezes. Pipes can be destroyed by water expansion. Turn off the water supply to your exterior faucet to avoid them from bursting. You will also want to flush the existing water out of the pipes, including rinsing your sprinklers.

Funky Floors

Wood and tile floors are good conductors of heat, which is why you may be in a warm environment and still have your feet freezing from the cold. So, before the cold winter sets in, give your floors a makeover with some bright and colorful carpets. Putting a rug pad underneath for cushioning and to keep them from sliding around can also be an option.

Seal Gaps

One of the most significant goals of winterizing your house is to save heating costs while also efficiently blocking the frigid winter air. Caulk any window cracks and add weather stripping to your doors. Ensure all windows are closed to prevent a draft from entering, but don't cover air vents!

Insulate Hot Water Tanks and Pipes

Frozen pipes are most likely to form in unheated interior places like your garage, attic, or basement. Pipe insulation should be used generously on any exposed pipes in sensitive sections of your home. Other measures to prevent your pipes from freezing include keeping your garage door closed as much as possible and not allowing your home's temperature to drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

You may have your tank or pipe insulation installed by a plumber or mechanical contractor, or you can do it yourself. Most hardware and home stores sell tank and pipe insulation kits, which generally include installation instructions.

Check Fireplace and Light Up

An important winterization checklist item for fire safety is having your chimney examined and cleaned. Since we want to stay warm for the winter and not burnt—An old-fashioned fireplace can be a great way to heat up the house and reduce energy bills.

Curtain-ize

Did you know that a single pane of glass may lose nearly ten times as much heat as an insulated wall of the same area? Investing in high-quality curtains and blinds may help keep you warm and cozy during the winter.

When it comes to curtains, the thicker, the better. During the winter, you might even line your curtains with an inexpensive, thick cloth to make them more effective.

If you don't have double-glazed windows, you may still keep the heat in your home by closing your curtains, blinds, or shutters after the sun sets.

Stay Warm

Winterizing your home does not have to be costly. You can lower your energy expenditures while keeping warm and cozy with a few clever methods, some fresh décor, and perhaps a trip to your local hardware shop.

Once you've finished your house winterization checklist, you'll be able to relax and keep warm all season long.

Is your house too old? Too cold? If you live in Portland, Beaverton, Saint Helens, or McMinnville, Oregon, and find winterproofing your home too much of a nuisance, or if you are considering relocating, contact us and we may be able to save you time and money by giving you an all-cash offer.

Sources:

https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/prepare-your-home-for-winter/

https://www.mebank.com.au/the-feed/6-cool-ways-to-winter-proof-your-home/