There’s lots of winter weather to experience in the United States, from frost, snow and hail to rain and winds. Sometimes, the sun might shine during the day, but it gets bitter cold at night. Whatever you experience, winter weather can impact your house, and you’ll have to prepare for it.
The Impacts of Winter Weather
There are four main considerations when protecting your home from winter weather. First, cold temperatures can affect your pipes. Then there are accumulation issues, whether that means snow or debris buildup. The general cold will also impact your energy use and the costs involved in heating your home. Lastly, mold thrives in moist environments, and with all that snow or rain, you’ll want to watch out for it. Let’s look at all of these in greater depth:
- Temperature changes: When temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, as is common in many parts of the U.S., liquid freezes. This can have a significant impact on your pipes. The frozen liquid can strain the pipes, which can lead to wear and tear, leaks and even a burst.
- Accumulation: Snow can also present some risks to your home. If not taken care of, snow accumulation can lead to roof, gutter, driveway or foundation damage. In areas where it doesn’t snow, wind and rain can pull debris off trees, and it could land on your roof, clogging up your gutters. When there’s standing water in your gutters, you could experience roof damage or see some pests making a home in your gutters.
- Energy use: When it gets colder outside, your heating system must work harder to keep you comfortable. To prevent wasted energy, ensure as little exchange between the outside and inside air as possible. Check all your windows and doors for signs of draft, and look out for poorly insulated areas.
- Mold and mildew: Winter brings moisture, and mold thrives in moisture. You might notice mold in walls, roofs or pipes. You can counteract it by keeping the humidity levels down in your home.
How to Prepare for Cold Winter Months
Looking at the list above, you can see how winter weather impacts your home. Now, you can see what you need to do to prepare it.
Protect Outdoor Furniture
If you have outdoor furniture, consider cleaning and storing them. You can also cover and secure them with a tarp if you don’t have storage space in your basement or garage. Additionally, if you have any outside decorations that could get damaged, like benches or potted plants, bring those inside. And, of course, if you have a pool, you’ll need to close and cover it up.
Prepare Winter Equipment
If you own any equipment you use during winter, like snowblowers and shovels, pull those out and give them a clean. You can also rent bigger equipment like snowblowers. In either case, test to make sure everything is working. You may also stock up on de-icing solutions — just remember that salt can damage your concrete driveway, so use caution.
Protect Your Plants
Storms and high winds can pull branches and rip off weak tree limbs. Snow and frost — especially snow and frost that occurs earlier than expected — can damage flowers. While you can typically wait to prune your plants until right before spring, there are some ways to protect your plants in anticipation of wintertime.
If you live in a snowy area, you can protect your plants by covering them. There are specific frost protection covers you can buy, but burlap or old blankets will work just as well. You can also add mulch or hay to planting beds to keep them insulated during winter. Potted plants can be moved inside for protection.
Protect Your Pipes
To prevent frozen pipes, you can set your thermostat above 55 degrees F and disconnect your garden hoses. It may also help to keep your cabinets and doors open — this allows heat from your home to circulate and warm the pipes inside cabinets and closets.
You can also insulate your pipes with sleeves or heat tape to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Concentrate on the pipes that are exposed to the elements, as well as those in basements.
Additionally, ensure they are sealed tight so the cold doesn’t creep in. You can use caulk or foam insulation for any gaps and openings. Keeping your house warm will also help prevent your internal pipes from having issues.
Make Sure You Can Keep Your House Warm
A good strategy is to heat rooms when you’re home and lower the temperature when you are not home to reduce energy costs. For example, you can program your thermostat to heat your home to 72 degrees Fahrenheit in the evening when you’re home and 60 degrees F when you’re away at work. Just remember to keep it above 55 degrees F to prevent frozen pipes.
If you have a heating system, get it serviced before the cold months come so that it is in good working order. Professionals can find issues or items needing repairs and help you conduct preventive maintenance. Here are two types of heating systems and how to get them ready for winter:
- Propane heating: Propane heaters offer efficiency and are clean burning, making them a popular choice for homeowners. Monitor your propane tank levels regularly and schedule refills before the winter rush. The last thing you want is for the peak cold periods to arrive and realize your tank is empty.
- Kerosene hearing: Kerosene heaters are often used as portable heaters to supplement other heating systems or for emergencies. Kerosene is often preferred to other fuel-oil-based systems because it’s thought to emit fewer hazardous fumes.
If you have a propane tank, there are some additional tips to keep in mind. You can put a flag or marker by your tank so that if heavy snow falls, you will be able to find it with ease. Additionally, ensure everyone in the household knows how to shut off the tank in an emergency.
If you live in a wet or snowy area, be mindful that the tank is made of metal and can rust if not sealed. You can also check out more tips to prepare your propane tank for winter here.
Ensure You Stay Warm All Winter Long With Foster Fuels
At Foster Fuels, we can help you transition to a propane-heated home, and we also supply kerosene and heating oil. We offer auto-fill services so you can get your propane tank filled automatically without even thinking about it. As a family-owned business, we know the importance of keeping loved ones warm and safe during the cold.
Reach out to us at 800-344-6457 or use our online form and tell us what you need.
