You should be taking the time now to winterize your home and get it ready for the colder temperatures. Investing a little time and effort now will help you remain cozy and comfortable all winter long, and even save some energy.
Storm Doors And Storm Windows
TIP #1: GET STORM DOORS AND STORM WINDOWS FOR YOUR OTTAWA HOME
Storm doors helps stop and block cold air drafts and provide an added layer of protection in between the elements and the entry doors into the home. Some models can also be converted to screen doors to use in the spring and summer months.
Ottawa Storm windows also create a secondary layer of protection between the cold air and several layers of glass. If you have single-paned windows, or your windows are more than ten years old, upgrading to new double-paned windows or adding storm windows will greatly help reduce your energy bills.
In addition, both storm doors and windows can stop cold air drafts. If you can feel cold air drafts, you are losing a good amount of heated air. The cold air rushes in from the outdoors through small cracks, gaps, and cracks around the doors and windows Ottawa.
TIP #2: GIVE YOUR FURNACE A TUNE-UP
Have you local HVAC tech come out and perform annual maintenance on your furnace. If you have a humidifier, now is the time to also get it up and running. Remember to replace your air and furnace filters too.
TIP #3: REVERSE THE DIRECTION OF CEILING FANS
If you have ceiling fans in your home, reverse the direction of the fan blades. During the winter you want the fan blowing upwards to force warm air downwards. This will evenly distribute warm air throughout the entire room.
TIP #4: HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY AND FIRE APPLIANCES CLEANED
If you have a wood burning stove, fireplace, or other types of fire appliance, you will want to have it and the chimney cleaned. For gas appliances, make sure exhaust vents are not blocked.
TIP #5: INSULATE YOUR HOT WATER HEATER
To reduce the amount of heat loss, there are insulated blankets you can install the water heater. These will also help keep your water warmer and reduce how often the water has to be reheated.
TIP #6: SEAL GAPS AND CRACKS AROUND WINDOWS AND DOORS OTTAWA
You will want to apply a new layer of caulk or use weather-stripping around the frames of doors and windows. Caulk will wear out over time and crack, creating small air drafts into the home.
TIP #7: UPGRADE TO A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
A programmable thermostat is great when you don’t want to have to remember to turn the thermostat up and down at different times of the day and night. Plus it helps save energy.
We hope you put these tips to good use as you winterize your home. If you are interested in storm doors, storm windows, or modern energy efficient doors and windows for your Ottawa home, please feel free to contact Westend Windows and Doors at 613-491-5121 today!