Winter took some time to start, but now it has firmly established its frigid hold on the Cleveland area. It’s vital that you protect your home from severe cold, as such drastic temperatures can test the limits of your exterior and interior systems.
Exterior Protection
Prepare for the high winds and sub-zero temperatures by inspecting and protecting the exterior of your home. Ensure that all siding, shutters, gutters and outside elements are secure to prevent the wind, ice accumulation and snow from removing or damaging them.
Home Sealing
Reduce energy costs and protect your home from severe cold with proper air sealing. Caulk and apply weather-stripping around windows and doors to prevent leaks. If you still notice drafts around window and doors, consult a professional to find the best solution.
It is always a good idea to invest in a total home performance audit.  This is a relatively new discipline that uses specialized tools and training to expose the weaknesses in your home.  Then a trained professional can help you prioritize not only the best projects to undertake, but also the order that they need to occur.  This activity is nominally the first step in any overall energy and home comfort improvement plan!
Protecting Pipes
With such severe temperatures, the usual precautions with plumbing might not be enough. Make sure any pipes in unheated and exposed areas have insulation on them to prevent freezing and potential bursting. Know where all shut-off valves are in case a leak occurs and have a plan for when you leave on vacation.
Property Considerations
To further protect your home from severe cold, insure that any trees near your house are trimmed back. Built-up snow and ice weighs limbs down and can cause breakage that can damage your roof, siding and other property.
Help protect your home from severe cold with regular maintenance and inspection of all exterior and interior home systems, including the heating system. There’s nothing worse than being without a furnace or hot water when it’s below freezing outside so it’s vital that you prepare yourself.
For professional advice on how to protect your home in severe cold this winter, or for other home comfort issues, contact P.K. Wadsworth Heating & Cooling.
P.K. Wadsworth proudly serves Cleveland, Mentor, Strongsville, Euclid, Willoughby, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Lakewood, Solon & nearby!
