4 Ways to Winterize Your Home

During the cold months of December, January, February and March the northest becomes a winter wonderland. Just as we prepare our bodies for winter, we need to have our homes ready.

Many folks in the Pittsburgh real estate market winterize their homes. Taking the time to ready your house for the cold is very important. Here are 4 ways to winterize your home.

1. Winter Insulation Film

Window insulation film creates an insulating barrier between the interior of your home and your windows. This is a simple process. The kit comes with the double sided tape and film. Apply the double sided tape around your window frame, cut a piece of film to cover the window. Stick film to tape. Run blow dryer over the film which will shrink the film and remove wrinkles.

2. Weather Strip Tape

Weather stripping can help seal air leaks in areas of your home, such as doors, windows and attic access points. Weather stripping windows is easy. To choose the best type of weatherstrip for your window or door, make sure that it will withstand the temperature changes, friction, weather and wear and tear associated with the location. If you have double-hung windows, this will require both foam tape and V-channel, sometimes known as V-strip or tension seal weatherstripping.

3. Insulation

Insulate your attic by adding unfaced insulation and unroll it on the floor of your attic. Be sure the spaces between the joists are full of insulation, and when that is complete, you apply a second layer that runs perpendicular to the joists. Insulate your hot water heater by buying a fiberglass jacket and wrap it around your water heater like a blanket. Another tip, heavy, duty curtain/window treatments. Hanging long, thick, heavy curtains will help dramatically when it comes to keeping the cold out and the heat in.

4. Chimney Balloon

A chimney balloon is exactly what is sounds like. It is a balloon made of special heat reactive, durable material and its purpose is to block the opening of a chimney that is not in use. If you do not regularly use your fireplace, a chimney balloon is the ideal solution to stop chimney drafts and save energy.

This isn’t a complete list of tips, of course, but it’s a good start. Your house means a lot to you, and it’s important you give it every chance to survive the winter.