If you live in a southern state, then you know that winter can be a tricky time. The weather is increasingly unpredictable, and it’s not always easy to stay warm. Note these six key tips to keep warm by winterizing your Southern home before the next freeze rolls around.
Insulation Is Key
One of the most important things you can do to winterize your home is to ensure you properly insulate it. When your home has poor insulation, you experience substantial heat loss in the winter. It’s wise to have an insulation contractor stop by and assess your home’s insulation levels. From there, you can take steps to improve your property if necessary.
Add Weather Stripping to Your Home
Another essential step in winterizing your home is to add weather stripping to your doors and windows. These adhesive strips of rubber foam help keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Older windows and doors typically lack any built-in weatherstripping, so it’s a smart investment to purchase a roll or two before winter hits again.
Bring the Plants Indoors
If you have any potted plants, it’s best to bring them inside until the last frost passes. While you want to make sure your plants have plenty of sunshine, freezing soil and a build-up of ice or snow can quickly kill plants of all kinds. New spouts and succulents are especially vulnerable. Besides, plants can help improve the air quality of your home, so it’s nice to have them indoors now and then!
Install Storm Doors and Windows
If you’re looking to go all-in on winterizing your home, consider installing storm doors and windows. While they aren’t always cheap, storm doors and windows are worth it in the long run. These additions provide an extra layer of protection against the cold air. They also add sound protection that helps kids and pets tolerate noise from high winds and heavy downpours. Plus, with care, storm windows and doors function for decades.
Invest in a Heater
Even families living in the south sometimes need a heater to stay warm during the winter months. Your home might already have an HVAC system, but for all their benefits, even heat pumps freeze in the winter. Electric space heaters can help keep rooms warm, but kerosene heaters are a suitable backup option should ice take down your powerlines. Investing in a heater is a smart way to keep warm until your primary heater is up-and-running.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat can save you money during the cold season. The programmable feature allows you to set your home’s temperature automatically. You can set it to turn on and off at certain times of the day, saving energy and cash.
Follow these key tips for winterizing your southern home to relieve some of that leftover winter freeze worry. After all, if it’s warm and cozy indoors, your family can take time to appreciate the rare snowfall.