• The winter season is approaching, but it isn’t the white walkers that you should be concerned about. It’s primarily related to the chilly weather. When winter is mentioned, the first thought that crosses your mind is pulling out warm clothes to shield yourself from the cold. However, it’s crucial to also ensure that your home is safeguarded during the winter months. Therefore, prevent that cold draught from entering to maintain a warm and comfortable home environment. Winter-proofing protects your residence when temperatures fall and helps to reduce heating expenditures. Acquiring a home insurance policy is just as vital to shield your property from winter-related damages.

In this blog, we will discuss various methods to winterproof your home and save money this winter. These simple winterizing techniques are not costly and help lower heating bills.

1. Seal the openings
   Start by draught-proofing your windows, doors, and vents. A caulking gun is an excellent tool for sealing any gaps or cracks around door frames and windows that might allow that cold air in. If there are still gaps visible, draft snakes can be an effective and economical way to fend off the cold. Close all openings to remain warm and save some money this winter.
   
2. Insulate the walls and roof
   Insulating the walls and roofs of your home may seem tedious, but the advantages surpass the effort. Approximately 25 percent of heat escapes through the roof. Using polystyrene for roof insulation is a popular energy-efficient approach that decreases the heating load. Add that additional layer of insulation to ensure your home is snug and warm throughout the winter.
   
3. Double- or triple-pane the fenestration
   Having multiple layers of glazing on windows can effectively keep the interior warm. Inefficient windows are typically the primary cause of heat loss, which increases your bills. If your windows are dated, they are unlikely to retain heat effectively. It may seem peculiar, but adding a bubble wrap layer to windows diminishes heat loss while still allowing light in. Furthermore, it is budget-friendly.
   
4. Use thicker window treatments
   Heavy curtains, blinds, or shutters can contribute to maintaining warmth in your home during the winter. Even if your windows aren’t double glazed, heavy-duty curtains prevent heat from escaping and can also absorb the chill. This helps lower the heat load and keeps the interior of your home warm and cozy.
   
5. Seal the AC inlets
   During the winter months, air conditioners are seldom used. It is advisable to seal the AC inlets and cover the vents. This will prevent cold air from coming through the cracks and keep the cold draught away.
   
6. Add more rugs and carpets
   If you possess hardwood floors then you need to cover them. Utilize rugs, carpets, and other such floor coverings to insulate your flooring. These thick coverings insulate your flooring and assist in keeping your property warm. If the floor has any fissures or openings, use silicone-based filler to seal them.
   
7. Service the machines
   Servicing the machines before winter arrives is essential to prevent any breakdown later on. Whether it’s any heating system such as water heaters, room heaters, or boilers, have them inspected and serviced to guarantee smooth operation throughout the entire season.
   
8. Pad the pipes
   If you reside in an area that experiences freezing temperatures then it is advisable to pad the pipes to prevent any bursting. Employ foam tubes to cover the exposed pipes to maintain the water at a higher temperature for an extended duration. This prolongs the lifespan of the pipes and reduces energy costs.
   
9. Do not forget the garden
   One area that is often neglected when winterizing your home is the garden. When temperatures drop, it can impact the plants that are less tolerant to cold weather. It is optimal to bring those plants inside when the temperatures decrease. Adding mulch conserves soil moisture and enhances the fertility and health of the soil. It keeps the soil warm, which can benefit the plants that cannot tolerate cold conditions.

Conclusion

• It is time to retrieve your woolens and seek ways to keep the home warm and cozy when the temperatures fall. Implement several suggestions outlined in the article above for affordable and do-it-yourself methods to winterproof your home. Remember to purchase a home insurance policy to secure your home financially against any weather-related dangers.

Disclaimer:

• The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. For more information, please consult policy wordings and prospectus before finalizing the sales.