Prepare your home for colder weather
As cooler weather begins to settle into our area, it’s time to start preparing your home for the winter weather ahead. Cold weather can cause a multitude of problems for your house, so it’s best to get in front of any problems before winter hits.
Being prepared for winter will give you peace of mind, and it might even help you save money. With frigid temperatures ahead, the last thing you need is a faulty heating system, frozen pipes or a damaged home. Thankfully, precautions can be taken to prevent some of these problems.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers tips for winterizing your home:
Do your research. If you need work done, ask friends and family about companies they’ve used and been happy with. Be sure the business is properly licensed (if it is a licensed trade), insured, or bonded to perform the work. Compare bids for pricing and job scope. As you select companies to help with your winterizing needs, turn to the BBB by visiting BBBHouston.org. The BBB can provide lists of BBB Accredited Businesses in specific industries, as well as Business Profiles on ones you’re considering.
Get everything in writing. Make sure whatever work and pricing you’ve agreed on is in writing. Doing this helps consumers and businesses be accountable.
Get a chimney checkup. Before lighting the first fire of the season, your chimney should be checked for animals, nests, leaves and other debris, as well as for any necessary repairs.
Inspect your home’s caulking and weather stripping to prevent air leaks. In addition, ensure doors and windows are shut tightly and no cold air is coming in due to worn-down weather stripping.
Clean your heating ducts. Ducts should be cleaned out once every two years. Consider adding insulation to any exposed ductwork to prevent losing heated air.
Reverse ceiling fans. By switching your fan to a clockwise rotation, air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space and can cut heating costs up to 10%.
Change air filters. Clean filters are a great way to reduce indoor air especially during winter months when you have less natural ventilation.
Check pipes. Wrap in places like basements, crawl spaces, and garages where it’s unheated, so they don’t bust. Also, remove garden hoses from the faucet.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Homeowners should routinely test these devices to make sure they work and install fresh batteries as needed. Detector units should be replaced every 10 years.
The best way to combat the negative effects of winter is to be proactive. By taking time to inspect your car and home, you’re ensuring a smooth, safe winter for you and your family. The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include your mailing address and phone number.