We all know our homes are our cozy retreats from the chill of winter, but even the best insulated homes can’t keep out everything. You’re probably familiar with the winter blues, but did you know there’s an actual condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that’s linked to seasonal changes? If you’re feeling a bit down when the weather turns frightful, you’re not alone. Now let’s dive into ten tips to get your Michigan home winter-ready.
Here’s a quick rundown of what we’ll cover:
1. Check Your Home’s Insulation and Weather-Stripping
2. Service Your Furnace
3. Bring Outdoor Furniture Inside
4. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
5. Install a Humidifier
6. Stock Up on Winter Supplies
7. Get Your Fireplace Ready
8. Insulate Your Home
9. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
10. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
First off, inspect your home’s insulation and weather-stripping. Are you losing heat through your walls or ceilings? If the answer is yes, you might need to add more insulation. You can also check for drafts by holding a lit candle near doors and windows. If the flame flickers, you’ve got a draft.
Next, get your furnace serviced. You want to make sure it’s running efficiently and won’t break down when you need it most. Remember to change your furnace filter regularly too – a dirty filter can make your furnace work harder than necessary.
Don’t forget about your outdoor furniture. It’s time to bring it inside before the snow starts falling. This will not only extend the lifespan of your furniture but also save you from having to shovel snow off it every time you want to use it.
Now, let’s talk about your roof and gutters. If you have a lot of trees on your property, it’s time to check your roof and gutters for leaves and other debris that could lead to leaks. Once your roof and gutters are clear, you can rake up any fallen leaves and use them as mulch or compost.
The air inside our homes can get very dry in the winter, causing static electricity, respiratory problems, and even damage to wood floors and furniture. By installing a humidifier, you can add moisture to the air, making your home more comfortable and preventing damage to your belongings.
It’s also a good idea to stock up on winter supplies like salt, sand, snow shovels, and ice melt. This way, you’ll be prepared when the first snowfall hits and won’t have to brave the cold to get what you need.
If you have a fireplace, now is the time to get it ready for use. Have it inspected and cleaned by a professional, and stock it with firewood so you’ll be ready for those cozy winter nights by the fire.
One of the best ways to reduce your energy bills and keep your home warm is to add insulation. This will help keep heat in and cold air out, making your home more comfortable and saving you money on your energy bills.
If you have drafty windows and doors, now is the time to seal them up. This will help keep heat in and cold air out, making your home more comfortable and saving you money on your energy bills.
Did you know that ceiling fans can actually be used to help heat your home? By reversing the direction of your ceiling fans, you can circulate warm air throughout your home.
These are just a few ways to prepare your home for the winter. By following these steps, you can keep your home warm and comfortable all season long. Michigan winters can be tough, but with a little preparation, you can weather the storm. Stay warm and safe this winter, and of course, enjoy the snow! We’d love to hear if you have any other winter prep tips.
Winter can be harsh on your Michigan home, so it’s important to ensure your heating system is working correctly, your doors are weatherized, and your gutters are clean and ready for use. If you haven’t done so already, now’s the time to get these tasks done before the snow starts falling.
In a nutshell, preparing your home for winter in Michigan involves checking insulation, servicing the furnace, bringing outdoor furniture inside, inspecting the roof and gutters, installing a humidifier, stocking up on winter supplies, getting the fireplace ready, insulating the home, sealing drafty windows and doors, and reversing ceiling fans. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a warm, cozy and safe winter. #WinterPrep #MichiganWinter
See the original post at [10 Smart Ways to Prepare Your Michigan Home for Winter](https://thumbwind.com/2022/08/17/prepare-your-michigan-home-for-winter/)
