This has truly been a “Minnesota Winter”. So, we want to help make sure your home is prepared for the cold, snow, and ice in order for you to be safe and warm all winter long. Although it is best to have your house winter ready before the snow flys, there are still plenty of things you can do midwinter. Here are some tips to make sure you have the best winter you can!
Home Safety Tips for Winter
Check your ventilation. Make sure your heating is properly ventilated to the outside and inspect that your fireplace and chimneys are clean and have proper ventilation. Don’t forget to check clothes dryer vents as well and remove lint build-up to allow proper airflow.- If your heating system hasn’t been serviced professionally, now is a great time to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated correctly.
- During the winter months you should replace your furnace filters monthly or every other month to keep them operating as efficiently as possible.
- Clean off roofs from thick snow and ice as quickly as you can to prevent ice dams and damage.
- Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
- Keep your home above 60 degrees at all times to prevent pipes from freezing. The recommended temperatures are 65-78 during the day and 62-70 at night.
- Don’t close off unused rooms as a way to save on heating. This can actually force your HVAC system to work harder and cost you more money.
- Do not close air vents to unused rooms in your house. This too can cause your system to push excess air to other places in your home and wastes energy.
- Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
- Make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries. It is recommended to replace batteries in them twice a year.
- A portable space heater with an automatic shut-off switch is a good alternative source for heat, but never have it close to furniture, drapes, children or water. Never use your stove or oven for heat because it could cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Have a safety plan in case the power were to go out. Keep extra blankets, candles, flash lights, food available.
These tips are helpful for any home, whether they are manufactured, modular or stick-built. Keep your home safe, warm and efficient this winter. If you have questions about the maintenance of a manufactured or modular home purchased from Excelsior Homes let us know.
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