The days are getting shorter, and soon, frosty mornings and the potential for snow will make us all crave the warmth of home. To make sure your house is as prepared as you are for the cold months ahead, we’ve compiled Central Self Storage’s top simple DIY home improvement projects to help you get ready for everything winter has in store.
Things To Keep in Mind as The Weather Turns Cold
Winter can be tough on your home’s structural integrity. When temperatures drop, wood beams may crack and expand and ice can cause damage to roof tiles and eaves. Worse, ice dams can form from backed-up water in gutters, leading to expensive repairs for roof leaks and water-damaged walls.
You may also notice a spike in your utility bills as the cold sets in and your heating system has to work harder to keep your home warm. Without proper insulation, you could be losing heat without realizing it. Improperly maintained water lines are another potential winter hazard. If they freeze and burst, you’ll be dealing with expensive repairs and extreme water damage.
Be prepared for winter weather with Central Self Storage! We’ve gathered a few DIY home improvement tips to give you peace of mind until spring returns.
Affordable DIY Home Projects To Prepare for the Snow
Snow may look magical in the winter, but it can lead to injury, property damage, and an array of outdoor hazards. One affordable way to make snow removal easier and prevent dangerous ice from forming is pre-treating your driveway.
Spread salt or sand before the snow falls to make ice less likely to build up. Shoveling also becomes far less of a chore when it’s harder for snow and ice to stick. We also recommend cleaning your gutters of debris like dead leaves to help water drain and prevent ice dams from forming.
It’s equally important to care for your yard. Delicate plants, like flowers and many vegetables, can be vulnerable to frost and other harsh winter conditions, but by wrapping them in breathable burlap or using plant covers, they’ll have a better chance of surviving the season.
Easiest DIY Home Projects To Save On Electricity
Your heating system works overtime in the winter, but fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to save energy. Start by inspecting your windows, doors, and attic for air leaks. Gaps around windows and doors can let in drafts, causing your heater to work harder. Seal these areas with caulk or weatherstripping to make a significant difference in your home’s energy efficiency.
Similarly, you can add door sweeps to the bottoms of exterior doors that block drafts and help maintain a stable indoor temperature.
Your attic, if you have one, is one of the greatest potential sources of heat loss. If your attic isn’t properly insulated, the warm air in your home will escape as heat rises. You can avoid this by upgrading or adding insulation to your attic.
Windows are another common culprit for heat loss, especially in older homes with single-pane windows. Window insulation film is a fantastic product that creates an air-tight seal over any window that helps keep the cold out and the warmth in. They’re affordable, easy to install, and can pay for themselves in the savings you’ll see on your energy bills.
Along with these changes, make sure the heat is coming from your heater, not your light bulbs. Not only are LED bulbs cooler to the touch than incandescents, they use up to 80% less energy. With shorter days and more time spent indoors, energy-efficient lighting can make quite an impact on the overall efficiency of your home.
How To Stay Comfortable at Home This Winter
While never as efficient as your central heating system, making use of your fireplace along with regular fireplace maintenance can make a big difference in your home’s comfort. If you have a fireplace, always make sure your chimney is clean and free of creosote buildup before use. A clean chimney allows smoke to exit freely and keeps your fireplace burning efficiently, but a clog could lead to smoke buildup inside your home and the risk of fire.
Another factor that can impact your comfort during the winter is the humidity level in your home. Heating systems can dry out the air, which may make your home feel colder than it is. To counteract this, try a humidifier to maintain indoor moisture levels, making the air feel warmer and more comfortable.
Don’t forget to care for your pets, too! You should always keep pets inside during the winter months. They may have fur to keep them warm, but they are still susceptible to hazards like frostbite and hypothermia. Make sure your furry friends’ beds are set up away from doors or windows that could potentially let in drafts.
You’ll also want to protect their paws from the ice and snow. After walking your dog, wipe their paws to remove any irritants. If your canine pal can stand them, consider investing in little pet boots so they can hike through the snow.
Stay Ready for the Winter With a Self Storage Unit
A self storage unit can be a game-changer when preparing for winter. Not only can you store your seasonal winter gear, such as snow shovels and sports equipment, but you can also swap out fall decorations for a clutter-free home.
For additional peace of mind, heated storage units provide a secure and stable environment for delicate items like wooden furniture and sensitive materials that may be damaged by fluctuating temperatures in your garage. With a climate-controlled storage space, your belongings will be tucked away and ready to use when the warmer weather returns.
Explore our size options and find the Central Self Storage facility nearest you to stay prepared for winter and all the snow flurries and family fun that awaits.
