When you think about where cold weather can cause the most problems, you probably think about your car or workplace. But not all cold weather issues happen on the road or at work. Many of them happen in your very own home, and many people don’t know how to stop those problems from happening in the first place.
However, there are a few ways you can better optimize your home, so it’s ready for cold weather conditions:
Heated Driveway
The heated driveway can be a great way to keep your driveway clear of snow. It’s also a good way to keep your car from getting dirty and even help prevent ice build-up and slush on the ground.
By heating the surface of your driveway, you’ll be able to clear it much more quickly and easily when you go out to shovel or sweep off your car in the morning or evening.
Roofing Material
Your roofing material should be able to withstand the elements. If you live in a cold climate, your roofing material will need to withstand snow, ice, and water. You will want to ensure that the material is durable enough for these conditions.
Suppose you have a single layer of shingle on top of your home’s original plywood decking or trusses. It may not be worth putting any additional money into fixing it because they will likely not last much longer anyway. If there are two layers of shingles overtop, replacing them could be more costly than buying new plywood and trusses.
Energy-Efficient Windows
The windows in your home are one of the biggest sources of heat loss, so it’s important to keep them well insulated. If you don’t already have an energy-efficient home, consider some of these options to help keep your home warm when temperatures drop:
- Insulate windows with foam or plastic. This simple and inexpensive method won’t keep out as much cold air as other options.
- Use heat-reflective glass for insulating glass panes like those found in double-hung or casement windows. Before using this method, ensure that the reflective coating isn’t damaged by frost or snow.
- Install storm windows over existing ones for added protection from cold drafts and winds at night. You can use them on their own if you have older single-pane glass panes instead (though they may need additional insulation inside).
If these solutions aren’t enough, consider adding curtains—or even blinds—to prevent further air leakage around window frames during harsh winter conditions. You may also want to consider installing awnings outside your front door area.
There’s less chance someone will be standing out there unprotected while waiting for guests who might not show up due to weather delays/cancellations recently experienced across North America.
Ventilation System
Ensure your ventilation system is good, and if your home has a central heating system, ensure the vents are clear of leaves and snow. If your home is heated with natural gas or oil, check that there are no leaks in lines leading to heaters and stoves.
Check that all exterior vents are clear of ice. Ice can block airflow and cause overheating in the winter months, leading to freezing pipes or other problems.
Central Thermostat
Using a central thermostat can be an excellent way to manage energy use. You can set the temperature at different levels for each room, allowing you to turn off the heat when you don’t need it. This can help keep your home more comfortable and save on energy expenses in the long run.
You may also consider using a programmable thermostat to control temperatures remotely via smartphone or tablet app. If there is no one at home during the day, it will automatically turn off heating systems until someone is present later in the evening. This will save money and carbon emissions by reducing unnecessary fossil fuel consumption.
Insulation
Insulation is an important part of keeping your home warm in the winter. Heat can easily escape through a home’s walls, ceiling, and floors when there’s not enough insulation to block it out.
You can add insulation to attics, basements, and walls. Use different insulation types at home depending on where you’re adding it (examples include fiberglass, rock wool, and cellulose).
Conclusion
There are many things to think about when optimizing your home for cold weather. Although it can be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Keep this guide handy and use it as a reference point to ensure that your home is properly equipped for whatever nature decides to throw at you.
