Our homes are our safe havens from the cold weather, but even the most well-insulated and winterized homes can’t protect us from everything. Although most of us are familiar with the winter blues, did you realize that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) also exists? SAD is a form of depression that, according to the Mayo Clinic, is connected to seasonal changes since it starts and ends at roughly the same period every year. If you feel a little down when the weather outside is frightful, you’re not alone. Here are ten ways to prepare your Michigan home for winter.
What We Will Cover
1. Check Your Home’s Insulation and Weather-Stripping
Are you losing heat through your walls or ceilings? Inspect your home’s insulation and, if necessary, add more. You can also check for drafts by holding a lit candle near doors and windows — if the flame flickers, you have a draft. Once you’ve identified problem areas, seal them with caulk or weather-stripping. Consider consulting a professional about cavity wall insulation options to maximize your home’s comfort. This will help keep heat in and lower your energy bills. Michigan winters can be brutal, so it’s important to make sure your home for winter is as energy-efficient as possible.
2. Service Your Furnace
Before you need it, have a professional service your furnace. This will ensure that it’s running efficiently and won’t break down when you need it most. It’s also a good idea to change your furnace filter regularly — a dirty filter can make your furnace work harder than it needs to. Having your furnace serviced and changing your filter regularly will prolong its life and save you money in the long run. Who wouldn’t want that? Well, maybe your utility company…
3. Bring Outdoor Furniture Inside
If you have outdoor furniture, it’s time to bring it inside before the snow starts flying. This includes grills, hoses, lawn chairs, and anything else not attached to your home. Not only will this prolong the life of your outdoor furniture, but it will also save you the hassle of cleaning snow and ice off of it every time you want to use it.
4. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
If you have a lot of trees on your property, now is the time to inspect your roof and gutters for leaves and other debris. These can cause clogs that can lead to leaks. Once your roof and gutters are clear, you can rake up any leaves that have fallen on your lawn and use them as mulch or compost. Mighty Dog Roofing Grand Rapids Michigan can help you with your roofing needs to make sure your home is ready for winter. Just contact them if you need any assistance.
Having your roof and gutters inspected and cleaned before winter starts will help you avoid damage to your home and costly repairs. Roofing is an important part of home maintenance. Once the snow and ice start flying, you won’t be able to get up on your roof to clear it, so it’s essential to do it now.
5. Install a Humidifier
The air inside our homes can get very dry in the winter, which can cause static electricity, respiratory problems, and even damage to wood floors and furniture. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, making your home for winter more comfortable and preventing damage to your belongings. It also helps you save on heating costs because moist air feels warmer than dry air. Having a humidifier in your home will make it feel cozier and can help you avoid some of the winter blues. Not only that, but it will also help protect your furniture and floors.
6. Stock Up on Winter Supplies
Now is the time to stock up on winter supplies like salt, sand, snow shovels, and ice melt. This way, you’ll be prepared when the first snowfall hits and won’t have to go out in the cold to buy what you need. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand in case of power outages or other winter weather problems. This should include items like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit.
7. Get Your Fireplace Ready
If you have a fireplace, now is the time to get it ready for use. Start by having it inspected and cleaned by a professional — a build-up of soot and creosote can be dangerous. Once it’s been inspected and cleaned, stock it with firewood so you’ll be prepared when the mood strikes you to cozy up by the fire. Nothing beats a roaring fire on a cold winter night.
Fun fact: Did you know that your fireplace can actually be used to heat your entire home? If you have a gas fireplace, make sure the flue is open when you use it. This will allow heat to rise and circulate throughout your home for winter, saving you money on your heating bill.
8. Insulate Your Home
One of the best ways to reduce your energy bills and keep your home warm is to add insulation. This will help keep heat in and cold air out, making your home for winter more comfortable and saving you money on your energy bills. You can add insulation to your walls, attic, and even your pipes to help prevent them from freezing. Once your home is properly insulated, you’ll be able to keep it warm all winter long without having to worry about high energy bills.
9. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
If you have drafty windows and doors, now is the time to seal them up. You can do this yourself with weatherstripping or caulk. This will help keep heat in and cold air out, making your home more comfortable and saving you money on your energy bills. You can also buy a draft guard for your doors to help seal them up.
10. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Most people don’t know that ceiling fans can actually be used to help heat your home for winter. By reversing the direction of your ceiling fans, you can circulate warm air throughout your home. This is a great way to evenly distribute heat and save on your heating costs. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that your fans are off when you’re not using them to avoid wasting energy.
These are just a few of the ways you can prepare your home for winter. By taking these steps, you can keep your home warm and comfortable all season long. Michigan winters can be tough, but with a little preparation, you can make it through without any problems. Just remember to stay warm and safe this winter! And, of course, have fun in the snow! Let us know if you have any other tips for preparing your home for winter. We’d love to hear from you.
Final Thoughts on Prepare Your Michigan Home For Winter
The winter months can be tough on your Michigan home. With cold temperatures, you need to be sure that your heating system is working correctly and that a reliable backup generator backs it up. You should also prepare your Michigan home for winter by ensuring that all your doors are weatherized and closed tightly.
If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to clean your gutters and prepare them for use. If you don’t have gutters, now is also the time to put some in place so they’re ready to go when the snow starts falling in November or December.
