It’s that time of the year again. Leaves have fallen, temperatures are dropping, days are getting shorter–Winter is coming! But, have you started winterizing your home?
Do you know how to prepare your home for the upcoming winter months? Here are a few pointers to help you when it comes to winterizing your modular or manufactured home.
Get a Furnace Inspection
- Call a qualified HVAC expert to clean and inspect your furnace. This should be done yearly. Many HVAC companies have special maintenance programs available.
- Change your furnace filter and stock up on replacements. Make sure to replace your filter monthly for better air quality in your home.
Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Replace your detector’s batteries and stock up on replacement batteries.
- Test each detector after replacing batteries to make sure they work. Most detectors have a life expectancy of 5 to 7 years and should be replaced after that time frame. Check the back of the detector for a date stamp or expiration date.
- Place a carbon monoxide detector by your furnace.
Prevent Any Plumbing from Freezing
- Drain and disconnect any garden hoses attached to outdoor water faucets.
- Make sure to insulate any exposed water pipes to prevent bursting of pipes.
- If you go on a vacation, keep the temperature of your home around 55 degrees and consider buying a programmable energy saving thermostat. That way if the temperature drops below freezing, you are alerted right away on your smartphone.
Check Windows and Doors
- Replace any damaged weather stripping around doors and windows. This will help prevent any cold air drafts.
- Replace cracked windows. A crack in window glass can lead to the entire window shattering during cold months.
- Caulk around the exterior of doors and windows if needed to keep warm air in and cold air out.
Clean Out Gutters
- Remove leaves and any other debris from gutters to help prevent any future home repairs.
- Consider installing leaf guards on gutters—less of a headache for the following year.
Inspect the Underbelly and Insulation of Manufactured Homes
Check for water leaks under home and seal or replace any damaged areas.- Make sure the heat tape around water pipes has power and replace if needed.
- If you plan on leaving your home for an extended time, flush out pipes and turn off the water supply.
- Inspect the skirting around the base of your home. Make sure it is allowing air circulation under the home and check for any damaged areas.
We hope these tips will help you with winterizing your home this year! Excelsior Homes West, Inc. wishes you a warm winter season filled with many memories!
