Winter weather in the Midwest can be downright brutal. And we’ve all got another three months or so before Mother Nature shows any mercy, so buckle in.
Here are a few ideas to make sure your home is fully prepared for winter’s cold embrace.
- Clean your gutters. When all of the snow we’ll soon receive melts in the spring, gutters that are filled with leaves and debris will easily overflow. This will lead to water backing up against your house and possibly damage roofing, siding and wood trim. Prevent this problem before it starts – before the heavy stuff hits, take some time to clear your gutters.
- Divert water from your house. While we’re on the subject of gutters, make sure that your downspout extensions run at least 3 feet away from the foundation of your house. Melting snow that drips down into your home’s foundation over a few months can cause a world of problems.
- Caulk around windows and doors. Gaps in window and doorframes make your home feel “drafty” and boost heating costs. If there’s a gap bigger than the size of a nickel, consider sealing it with caulk. Silicone caulk typically works best for this situation because it won’t shrink in cold weather. Also, check the weather-stripping around your doors – if you can see daylight from under your doors when they’re closed, it’s time to reapply.
- Call for a heating tune up. Give your Pearson professionals a call to ensure your furnace will keep your family comfortable during the upcoming winter months. Potential HVAC issues can be solved before any major damage occurs, saving you a big bill in the future.
If you do happen to experience a heating dilemma in the middle of winter, don’t worry. Pearson offers 24-hour emergency service so you can rest easy knowing that a professional is just a phone call away, day or night.
