With cold, colder and the coldest weather on the way, there’s no better time than now to get your home ready. We recommend you take a few minutes to protect the investment you’ve made in your windows and doors for this upcoming winter.
Wash Your Windows
Giving your windows a good scrub before the January chill arrives will help ensure they look their best and continue to let in natural light throughout the colder season. Paying close attention to the glass panes also makes it easier to pinpoint any cracks or caulking damage.
Stash Your Screens
Although screens that aren’t directly exposed to the elements (casement windows) don’t need to be taken down and stored away for the winter, we recommend that double hung and slide window screens as well as patio door screens be stored away. Many people put their screens in an easy-to-access place, so that they can be conveniently brought out when spring arrives.
Before storing your screens, lightly vacuum the meshing in order to remove the maximum amount of accumulated dust. Then wash the meshing with a moist cloth and a mild, non-abrasive soap. If needed, do the same for your aluminum frames.
Prepare Your Patio Doors
We recommend that you lubricate the rollers on the four corners of your patio-door screen frames (with Jig-a-Loo or a similar type product) once a year. You should also clean out the debris that can accumulate in the door rails. A quick pass with the vacuum should do the trick.
Patch Up Cracks
A lot home air-leakage happens around windows! Apply caulking and weather-stripping to make windows more energy efficient and increase your overall energy savings.
Clean the Gutters
If you can stand to bare the December cold, clean the leaves and plants out of your home’s gutters, so there won’t be a big mess to clean up in spring. After scooping leaves and debris out, flush the gutters with water to make sure they are clear.
Inspect Your Furnace
It’s always a good idea to have your furnace inspected before the cold season. If the furnace isn’t running properly, or if the filters are clogged, it can increase the cost of heating a home.
While you’re down there, it’s important to remember that a furnace’s filter should be changed regularly to ensure it isn’t causing excess heating costs. Also, buy enough replacement filters to get your home through the winter.
Purchase a Programmable Thermostat
With a programmable thermostat, you can set it so that your house is warmer when you are home and cooler when you are at work. Come home to a warm house, while reducing your overall heating costs.
Set Mouse Traps
This tip might seem a bit out there, but if mice or rodents take refuge in your home during winter, they can chew on insulation and cause air leaks. Bait mousetraps with peanut butter or some other food source and place in cellars, attics, or around pantries. Keep your eyes peeled for droppings!
Switch Your Bulbs
With fewer hours of daylight, we tend to consume more electricity and leave the lights on for longer periods of time. Make the switch to ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs, both inside and out. These bulbs use 70-90% less energy and last 25 times longer than regular bulbs.
To find out how you can update your home to be more energy efficient during the winter months, visit jeld-wen.ca.
