Yes, Andalusia, Alabama, is a ridiculously impressive stone’s throw away from the Gulf of Mexico; however, despite how far south we are, winter is indeed coming. Regardless of what people think, being cold in the South is a different beast than being cold up north. Overall, the temperature within our fair city averages around 60 degrees in the winter with dips into the 40s or colder.
As such, it’s best to be prepared for the rare cold snap. These steps will help you protect your home during the winter and also help you lower your utility bills, which is the best part.
Inspect Your Heating System
The heat seems to stop working only during the most inconvenient of times. Avoid that situation by having a technician come and inspect your heat source during the fall. For around $100, a technician will come and inspect your furnace or heat pump to ensure that the system is in good working order. As with most situations, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
A ceiling fan that runs in a clockwise direction will produce an updraft and push heated air down from the ceiling. This works perfectly for rooms that have high ceilings. You can even save a few dollars by turning down the heat a degree or two. Remember, hot air rises.
Check Your Roof
Following a spring and summer of some rather powerful storms, it could very well be the case that your roof has some form of damage. Hire a handyman to repair shingles if they appear broken or cracked, for more serious damage, hire a roofer. Also, check for repair breaks in the flashing seals around vent stakes and chimneys.
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Caulk Around Your Windows And Doors
If the gaps around your windows or door frames are bigger than the width of a nickel, then you need to apply some exterior caulk. Silicone caulk is the preferred choice as it won’t shrink and it will hold up against the elements. Also, be sure to add weather-stripping around the doors. If you can see daylight then you have a problem. In addition, check the window-glazing putty. This seals the glass to the window frame.