10 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Winter

Even though it is hard to tell here in Chicago, it is Winter. (I’m not complaining about having temperatures in the 40s and 50s. That is insane for December in Chicago.) Sooner, rather than later though, it will get cold. There are some definite ways that we should all get our houses ready for this cold weather that is eventually on the way.

1. Furnace Checkup.  There is nothing worse than having your furnace go out in the dead of winter.  I have had that happen (Madison was a toddler at the time).  When it is cold, the HVAC guys will be busy.  It took us almost 3 days to get our heat back.  It’s been over 10 years and I still remember how cold it was!
2. Invest in a space heater like the De’Longhi Slim Style Panel Heater (ERV:  $149).  By heating a single area, like your bedroom or living room, you’ll be able to lower your thermostat and begin saving right away.  For me, I work in the basement, so it doesn’t make sense to heat the whole house for just the one area I’m going to spend the day in.  Plus, with a footprint of just three inches (eight inches including the feet), with the option to wall mount, Slim Style is unobtrusive and uses minimal floor space.  It also has a sleek high gloss frame with sensor touch points, LED display and digital controls that allows for simple effortless use and its modern, slim design looks great in any room of the house.  It’s eco-function capability saves energy for cost savings on your energy bill
3. Reverse your ceiling fans.  The fan will produce an updraft and push down into the room heated air from the ceiling and you’ll be able turn down your thermostat by a degree or two for greater energy savings.
4. Clean your gutters!  If water can’t get down your gutters, it can cause damage to your roof, siding and cause ice dams.
5. Turn off your outdoor faucets.  If you don’t, the water left in your pipes can freeze and burst!  We turn off the shut-off valve inside our home.
6. Store your lawn mower away and get your snowblower out.  There is nothing worse than having the first big snowstorm and find that either your snowblower doesn’t work or you need gas for it!
7. If you have a chimney, make sure you inspect it before you use it.  Make sure that your chimney and vents are clean and in good repair.  You don’t want a chimney fire or carbon monoxide in your home.
8. Caulk your windows and door.  Those draft can make your home cold!
9. Pull out all your winter gear and try it on if you have kids!  My kids outgrown boots, hats, and gloves every year!
10. Food supplies.  Make sure you have some canned goods and hot chocolate in your house in case of being snowed in!

These are just a few things you can do to help get ready for winter.  How do you prepare for winter?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of DELONGHI. The opinions and text are all mine.