Although the weather is still warm and you’re probably thinking about pumpkins, wiener roasts and hayrides, winter weather is just around the corner. We can all look forward to freezing temps and higher heating bills.
Here is a list of services we can help you with:
- Professionally inspect your furnace. Clean your ductwork and check for leaks.
- Professionally inspect your fireplace and chimney to make sure it is in working order and to prevent rodents and birds from entering your home.
- Clean out your gutters and install gutter guards to prevent water build up and ice damming.
- Install high efficiency replacement windows and doors.
- Tuck-point or seal foundation cracks and inspect sill plates for dry rot or termite damage.
- Insulate exposed plumbing pipes in crawlspace. Install heat tape to prevent pipes from freezing. Install a tankless hot water system.
- Seal driveways brick patios and wood decks.
- Check flashings on roof and walls to ensure water cannot enter the home. Replace worn or missing roof shingles.
- Add cellulose insulation to the attic floor.
- Remove casing around doors and windows and insulate with a minimally expandable foam
- Inspect steps and handrails and make sure that they are safe and in good working order
- Perform a semiannual inspection on all areas of your home
- Provide you with firewood
Here are some really simple tips you can do on your own to help make it just a little bit easier:
- Trim trees and remove dead branches to prevent them from falling on your house or car when loaded with ice. After all the leaves have fallen, clean out your gutters and remove fallen leaves from around your foundation. Secure crawlspace entrances and other entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house.
- Change your furnace filters for forced air units, and remove the shroud and vacuum around electric heat baseboard units. Remove any flammable material that might be around your furnace. Install working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher that is more than 10 years old. Install a programmable thermostat. Turn down your thermostat and dress a little warmer.
- Check and replace any leaking door seals, including weather stripping and thresholds. Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks and fill with caulking. Cover any window wells to basement windows with plastic shields. Remove summer screens and replace with glass inserts.
- Close off bedroom doors and other rooms that are not used. Open blinds to rooms that receive a lot of sunlight, and use heavier window treatments and close them at night. Install a window insulation kit from a local hardware store
- Disconnect hoses and shut off water to your exterior faucets. Make sure your main water valve is functioning properly. If you go on vacation, leave the heat set to at least 55°.
- Service or tune-up your snow blower. If burning wood is an option and you have a place to store it, by firewood now while it is plentiful and cheaper.
- Prepare an emergency kit, including indoor candles or lamps, working flashlights and batteries, extra bottled water and nonperishable food items (including pet food), blankets, and a first aid kit in an accessible location. Keep important contacts, like your utility companies phone numbers, handy.
- Talk to your accountant to see which energy tax incentives you may qualify for
For a free estimate on any of these services, please contact MJ Construction. We would be glad to service your home. Have a great winter season!
Tags: energy effeciency, home, Insulation, maintenance, upkeep, winter, winterize
