Prepare Your Home for the Colder Months with This 5-Step Guide

It’s now somehow officially fall, which means we bid farewell to the warm weather and prepare for fall and winter. With that said, there are steps we need to take in order to stay warm and cozy indoors during the colder months without comprising on energy and money. Follow this 5-step guide in preparation for the temperatures to drop because it will be winter before we know it.

  • Heating System Maintenance – It’s been a while since we’ve needed to use the heater, but before the temperature really drops and it needs to be turned on full-time again it’s best to test it out to make sure everything is working properly. In fact, it’s smart to clean the oil or gas burner at the start of every fall to avoid risk of a fire or overusing energy in the event that there’s too much residue build-up.
  • Seal and Insulate Ducts – Schedule an appointment to get your ducts looked at this fall to eliminate the risk of leaks. If that there are leaks, up to 20 percent of air from your heating system can escape the duct system and cost you money. So save money each year by making sure your ducts are sealed tightly and insulated.
  • LED Lighting – LED lighting trumps traditional lighting because it’s both energy saving and cost effective. As you prepare for the holiday season, consider using LED Christmas lights to reduce your electric bill. Use LED lighting for other outside lighting purposes as well, such as lighting walkways or porches.
  • Check for Air Leaks – It’s important that there are no air leaks in your home as we prepare for the colder months because the warm air your heating system worked so hard to produce could escape. In turn, your heating system will work overtime to compensate for it, which will use up more energy and cost you more money.
  • Gutter Clean-Up – Your drainage system will suffer if gutters are clogged up by debris accumulated over the past year or so, which often results in the grime turning into ice dams. Prevent leaks from happening by cleaning out the gutters for any built-up rubble, then make sure to run water through it to check that the gutters are working properly otherwise.

For more information about Center Island Contracting’s services call us at (631) 465-9765.