Washington is not known for its mild winters. The winter months in this Northeastern state are cold and last pretty long. Whether you are living in Seattle or the cities around it like Everett and Bellevue, you will likely experience harsh weather conditions at one point during the season. Ensure your family and house stays protected by winterizing your home. Follow these five simple steps to achieve a winter-proof house
Buy Winter Tools and Emergency Supplies
Purchase all the winter equipment you need before the heavy snowfall starts. A snow shovel, ice scrapper, and snow brush are staples when it comes to winterizing your home and car. Keep your home’s entrance accessible and its walkways clear with the shovel. In case of an emergency like a blizzard snowing you in, stock up on bottled water, flashlights, batteries, and canned food. If you have a fireplace or woodstove, make sure to have firewood on hand.
Clean Out Gutters and Outside Pipes
Pipes and gutters that are not cleared out face the risk of freezing which can lead to cracks or even more significant fractures. Avoid damage by clearing out your gutters, downspouts, and any outdoor pies while the weather is still relatively warm. Make sure all the water and debris are cleaned out. Cover your gutters with leaf guards and disconnect the garden hoses. Turn off the outdoor water supply.
Prevent Warm Air From Escaping
When it comes to keeping warm air indoors, windows and doors are particularly vulnerable to leaks. Warm air will escape from windowpanes and door frames that are not properly insulated. Close all gaps by adding caulking or weather stripping.
Block Cold Air From Coming In
In addition to warm air escaping, homeowners often have to deal with cold air from seeping in. Attics, basements, and walls are typical problem areas. During warmer months, install proper insulation in these areas. Electrical outlets and switch-plates may not be the first things that come to mind, but insulating them also helps keep your home warm.
Test and Prepare Heating Systems
Perform a test run of your electrical or gas heating system and furnace before the really low temperatures hit. If it isn’t working effectively, have a professional inspect your furnace and service it. Replace the filter of your furnace and clean out your chimneys, fireplaces, and woodstoves. Once the cold weather comes and the snow falls, nothing will feel as good as a warm hearth!
At Established Moving & Storage, our full-service movers in Seattle have helped many families and individuals relocate to homes all over the Seattle metropolitan area and throughout the state of Washington even in the dead of winter.
Are you looking for reliable movers in Seattle or other movers in King County – Redmond movers and Bellevue movers? Are you looking for expert Everett movers or other movers in Snohomish County? With our locations in Seattle and Everett, our local moving crews are well-equipped to deliver a hassle-free moving experience. Contact us, schedule your move, or call 888-648-1886 today for a FREE quote!
Additional Resources
Benefits of Moving in the Winter vs. the Summer
