The temperatures in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana have been dropping every week, and that can only mean one thing… winter is right around the corner! While no one wants to think about sub-zero readings or snowstorms just yet, it is a good time to think about getting your home ready for the winter. In fact, autumn is the perfect time to prepare your home for cold weather!
There are several steps you can take to keep your house warmer and healthier. First, make sure your furnace or heating system is cleaned and serviced, as that’s something you really can’t afford to be without. Next, check your attic. Adding insulation to your attic could be the most cost-efficient way to cut home heating costs. Any ducts, wires or pipes that penetrate the wall, ceiling or floor also have the potential to let the cold in. And don’t forget to check around your doors and windows for leaks or drafts.
Old, drafty windows are one of the most common ways cold air sneaks into your home. They might not even open anymore, but they can be a major source of heat loss. Think about your basement windows…are they the originals installed by the builder of your home? If so, it’s likely they are cheap, single pane glass that are now drafty, cracked, rusty and difficult (if not impossible) to open and close. If your basement windows are in this condition, consider replacing them with new, energy efficient thermal pane windows. Perma-Seal has attractive replacement window options specifically designed for the basement environment and can help transform your dark, dingy basement into a bright, comfortable living space.
Here’s another important tip! Your autumn checklist should include looking around your house for cracks in your brickwork, walls and ceilings. Perma-Seal certified structural specialists have seen symptoms of foundation damage popping up at many homes throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana due to the severe drought this summer. Windows and doors that don’t open and close properly throughout your home are also a common sign of movement in your home’s foundation. Before replacing windows and doors, you should have your home inspected by a professional to address existing structural issues which affect both new and old homes alike.