Once the heater is on, it will distribute warm air throughout the house. This helps ward off the cold!
We’re one step closer to Thanksgiving. And that means we’re also one week closer to December. Before long, the winter solstice will be here – and then it’s time for the true end of the year festivities. But before all of that fun can happen, you still have some work left to do. What does that mean? We have some more advice to follow to help you know what to expect and what to do next!
Verify the Vents Aren’t Blocked
Once the heater is on, it will distribute warm air throughout the house. In this situation, furniture can be a problem – and so can various other blockages. More importantly than anything else, you need to keep an eye on the air intake vents. If they aren’t well taken care of (or allowed to operate freely), it can damage the furnace. That means you might be on the hook for covering costly repairs or replacements.
Inspect the Exterior for Loose Fittings
After that is done, it’s time to get outside. What are you supposed to do then? Go ahead and inspect the exterior of your home. Be on the lookout for any loose fittings. Such fittings can be potentially problematic. Siding, gutters, and window shutters could be damaged or destroyed by wild winter weather if they aren’t maintained very well. Frigid winds, bitter cold, and ice dams are extra dangerous to unprotected homes.
Use Plastic Winter Insulation Kits
Do you use shrink-wrap in the kitchen or around the house? Even if you don’t, it’ll probably surprise you that it’s more versatile than you might think. For instance, they are crucial components of plastic winter insulation kits. You can find them at hardware stores, and they aren’t very expensive. Caulking and weather-stripping materials are great options for insulating your home against the cold as well.
Switch Fans to Run Clockwise
Did you know that running your fans counterclockwise helps you stay cool in the summer? In the winter, though, you should reverse them. When the fans run clockwise, they push the hot air that rises back down. This action continues to circulate the air rather than allowing it to stay in one place. Look closely at your fan settings. You should be able to see the switch you need.
Get the Gutters Cleaned Out
Our final piece of advice is to clean out your gutters. While this task sounds far too simple, it can still be a difference-maker. You can diminish the chances of ice dams and icicles forming by removing fallen leaves, bird nests, and other obstructions.
Do You Still Have Questions? Call Cedar Square Homes Today!
Whether you are ready to start the custom building home journey or you still have more questions, the trained professionals at Cedar Square Homes are here to help you out. We are beloved throughout Maryland and beyond for our attentive service and affordable home remodeling and building prices. We proudly serve Anne Arundel County. Visit us online or call us at 410-987-9771. To see more examples of our work and helpful tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Cedar Square Homes MHIC #27095