If you are from McHenry County, you must be aware that winters can be brutal. The winds are very powerful, and staying warm is almost impossible. Your house becomes the main defense that protects you from the cold weather.
If you don’t prepare, things can get out of hand. For instance, ice may block the main entrance to your home and destroy the gutters. Snow can freeze your pipes, and your roof can get damaged. When this happens, the cost of keeping your home warm and handling minor repairs could increase. You need to take steps to protect your home before winter.
This discussion breaks down what you need to do and how to get your home ready before extreme cold kicks in.
Inspect Your HVAC System
During the cold season, your heater, or what is popularly known as the furnace, keeps the house warm. Like other appliances, it can suffer from wear and tear and may not warm the house as needed.
It’s important to ask an expert to inspect it before the onset of cold weather. Normally, they check the elements to ensure they’re working. They also recommend repairs for broken parts and clean them too. If it’s more than 15 years old, they may suggest replacement. Usually, old heaters may use a lot of energy compared to new ones.
A proper setup by a qualified and reputable HVAC installation contractor ensures the equipment is well fixed. It also gives you peace of mind that it will work for a long time beyond the current season and will not break down frequently. In my case, I used and recommend Optimized Airflow LLC. This HVAC contractor serving McHenry County assesses your home’s size, the required insulation levels, and heating needs. They will also guide and recommend the right HVAC system to purchase.
Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation
Sometimes cold air can get into the house via tiny cracks in the door or windows. Sometimes there are some cold areas where pipes and wires pass. You can seal up these openings around the doors or windows using caulk. Some homeowners prefer using weatherstrips to close the gaps. Also, door sweeps can block any air that enters under the doorway. Inspect your property’s insulation, especially in the attic area.
You can reinforce the insulation to ensure heat remains inside. You will save money if you’re able to preserve the heat, and your heat will not overwork. Eventually, your home will stay warm and cozy during the cold weather. Another way is to use insulating blinds or heavy curtains.
Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes are common in this county, especially when it gets extremely cold. Usually, when water inside the pipes freeze it expands and can break the pipe. To stop this, you can insulate the pipes. Some pipes, especially those in basements or the garage, are usually exposed and need to be insulated.
Foam is a good material for insulating pipes. It’s also affordable and does not require an expert to put it on. In cold evenings, you can let some water run from the faucets. Moving water rarely freeze and you can try this hack.
Don’t close the doors of the cabinets under the sinks, as this can lock out warm air from getting to the pipes. If you plan to be away during winter, ensure the heater is running. This will prevent the pipes from getting clogged with ice.
Check Your Roof and Gutters
When there’s a lot of snow and it settles on your roof, it could cause serious damage. Before the onset of winter, check the roof and see if there are any loose parts. It’s important to fix the issues right away, as this will also stop water from leaking.
Get rid of debris on the gutters, as this can obstruct the snow and cause it to get stuck. If water is trapped here, it can get into the house and damage walls, carpet, and furniture. You can use a rake to take off the excess snow from the roof.
Prepare for Power Outages
Sometimes the cold season is accompanied by powerful winds. Also, a lot of snow can disrupt the power connection to your house. This can interrupt your property’s heating system. It’s vital to prepare for such an eventuality by having blankets, enough food, and extra batteries. Also have flashlights and a radio to receive regular updates about the weather. A backup generator is also a consideration when power goes off.
In Summary
Because of the extreme cold weather in McHenry County, you may want to prepare by ensuring your heating system is up and running. Contact an expert to inspect the HVAC since it’s the main supply of heat for your house during winter. Check the condition of the water pipes and seal any gaps that may let cold air in. Ensure your home is adequately insulated and has power backup options.
