Not only can these easy DIY chores save you money (drafts make your heater work harder and longer), they’ll help you maintain your home and they don’t take much time. Listen to this week’s episode of You Got This! and learn more. We discuss these things, specifically.
Seal the Drafts
February tends to be one of the coldest months in areas where winter hits hard, which also makes it a good time to source out any drafts. The easiest way to check for an air leak is by using your hand or bare feet to feel for cold drafts coming in through various spots in your house. A major culprit, especially in older homes, is any baseboards along exterior walls where they meet the floor. Windows and doors are other spots to check, as well as any electrical outlets (again on outside walls), and spaces leading into the attic or basement. Once you find one, seal the draft as soon as possible to keep your home warm and your utility bill in check.
Inspect Roof and Gutters
Midwinter is a good time to check gutters to make sure flow for melting snow or rain is not obstructed in any way, also checking that drains and downspouts are clear. From the street, take a look at any roof vents and shingles for signs of damage or indications that there is major heat-loss; don’t wait for a leak to tell you something is wrong.
Inspect Caulking
When furnaces run regularly, they suck out humidity and cause the air to dry up significantly. Humidifiers can help balance out the humidity levels but sometimes winter takes its toll no matter how much you try to fight it. An often-overlooked problem is dried out caulking around windows and doors, or in bathrooms around the tub and sink. Paintable caulk tends to dry out faster but is also easier to remove and replace. Silicone lasts longer and are less susceptible to dry air, but February is a good time to repair any dry, cracking, or damaged caulking around these areas in the home.
Listen to this week’s episode of You Got This! on KNCO at 9am, or online at anytime.