Overall, it has been a fairly mild winter in Richmond despite last month's near record-breaking snowstorm. But it's not too late to check on some items to ensure your house is prepared for cold weather.
Inspect Your Home's Exterior and Foundation
Walk around your home and visually inspect the exterior and foundation. You'll want to replace any missing roof tiles or fix any other damage. When checking your gutters and drains, you'll want to be sure these are free of leaves and other materials that might cause a clog as leaves and tree debris may have fallen into your gutters.
Check for Drafts
Check each of your home's windows and doors looking for any gaps that create drafts, as these will reduce your home's energy efficiency causing you to pay more each month for heating. You can use sealants, such as caulk and weather-stripping, to stop the drafts.
Service or Replace Your Heating System
You'll want to change your filters and have your heating system serviced to ensure it is operating efficiently. You'll also want to have your boiler serviced, which should be done once a year, to minimize the chance of a breakdown when you most need it. If your system is over 10 years old, you should consider an upgrade. (See last week's blog post for advice on when to repair or replace your HVAC system.)
Insulate your attic and pipes
As you know, heat rises. This winter you'll want to make sure it doesn't escape from the top of your house by ensuring that your attic is insulated adequately. If your attic hasn't been insulated in a while, check the thickness of your insulation and replace or top it off if needed.
It's also important to insulate your water pipes to protect them from freezing in winter, ensuring you don't cut off your water supply and preventing pipes from bursting and damaging your home.
