10 Quick Projects to Keep in Mind for Cold Weather
Our friends at The Home Depot have some excellent advice for getting your home ready for winter. Here are the top ten projects from our Home Depot guest blogger, John Ginther, Regional PRO Sales Manager, Northern Plains.
Winter in the Midwest can be brutal – often bringing much lower temperatures and quite a bit more snow than other regions around the country. In the face of what might be another harsh season, it’s important not to overlook those simple home weatherization projects that can help keep you comfortable while having a positive impact on your energy bills. There are a few key areas to keep in mind when preparing homes for the colder months ahead.
1. Seal Gaps and Cracks
The first step to prepare homes for the winter season is to examine doors and window frames for hidden gaps and cracks that can increase the cost of heating bills. Use caulk, sealants or weather stripping to keep cool air out. Add a door sweep or window insulation kit to further seal a threshold.
2. Increase Insulation
Studies show that 90 percent of homes are under-insulated. Add blown-in, roll or foaming insulation to protect homes from exterior elements and increase energy savings.
The attic is one of the easiest places to get started. Attic insulation can have a significant impact on energy efficiency and comfort in the home. Use an online insulation calculator to determine the amount of insulation needed in the home based on square footage, heating type and area of residence. Also, if you buy 10 bags of Owens Corning AttiCat insulation you receive a free 24-hour rental on a blower machine.
3. Upgrade Thermostats and Lightbulbs
Another indoor upgrade to consider is a programmable thermostat, such as the Nest Learning Thermostat. This allows users to adjust the temperature from their smartphone but also learns behavior and self-optimizes. Automated products like this are not only convenient, but can also help conserve energy.
Now that it stays dark outside longer, swap out incandescent lights with LED bulbs to help minimize energy costs. The average household spends over $5,000 a year on energy costs, so these energy-efficient home improvements can lead to substantial savings.
4. Protect Pipes Wrapping pipes and using heat cables are inexpensive ways to prevent costly repairs caused by pipes bursting from extreme cold. Exposed pipes in unheated areas, pipes in exterior walls and plumbing on the outside of the home are more likely to freeze than others due to their location. Use pipe insulation to seal in warm air and prepare for the colder nights ahead. Shield outdoor faucets from freezing temperatures with a Hard Faucet Cover.
5. Examine Water Heaters
Inspect the water heater to ensure it’s in good condition. Drain and flush the unit if needed to remove sediment build-up. Use a water heater blanket to regulate the temperature of the hot water being stored and save up to nine percent on water heating costs.
Another option is the water recirculating pump from Watts, which provides instant hot water to every faucet or shower in a home when needed, eliminating wasted resources.
6. Power up for Snow Removal
Create a snow removal kit to prepare for heavy snow and ice this winter. Include essentials like salt, snow scrapers and snow shovels from trusted brands like True Temper. Add a snow blower to the kit to tackle different projects. The size of the property will help determine the type of snow blower needed. For larger projects like clearing driveways, consider the Ariens Gas Snow Blower or the Toro SnowMaster Gas Snow Blower, but for smaller areas like sidewalks, yards and decks, try the Snow Joe Lithium Ion Hybrid Snow Blower.
7. Inspect the Roof
Roof leaks and other problems can wreak havoc on homes and wallets, so address potential dilemmas before the winter hits. Ensure that the roof and gutters are free of dead leaves, branches and other debris. The Dambuster Deicer Bricks and the Frost King Roof De-Icing Cable Kit can help prevent or melt ice buildup and dams.
Heavy snow on the roof can cause structural and water damage to homes. Use the durable True Temper Telescoping Roof Rake to protect the roof and yourself – the rake’s long reach makes it safer to use than climbing on the roof with a snow shovel.
8. Address the Outdoors
Use sealants like DAP Dynaflex Premium Indoor/Outdoor Sealant to seal gaps and cracks around wood and other outdoor surfaces, which will help repel ice, rain and snow. Add a plant cover or blanket to care for gardens when the cold front comes.
9. Stock Up For added savings, purchase large quantities of winter products, such as salt, ice melt and insulation, before the snow hits. Bulk purchases can save time and money since some retailers have special offers or rebates for large orders.
10. Care for Cars
Check the status of the battery, oil, wiper blades and antifreeze before the winter comes. Store a winter-car kit in the trunk to withstand the harsh season. The kit can include a scratch-free snow brush from True Temper to quickly clear snow from cars of all sizes without damaging the windshield. Toss the Suncast Resin Auto Ice Scraper in the kit for easy scraping. Keep a fix-a-flat product, flashlights, blankets, bottled water and booster cables in the kit in case you get stuck and have to wait in the cold.
John Ginther, Regional PRO Sales Manager, Northern Plains, has more than 27 years of experience in retail, which includes 25 years in the home center industry. He has served in various roles, including time at The Home Depot in store and field leadership, as well as support roles for professional business customers.