While winter may be the last thing on your mind while the warm weather is still here, now is an excellent time to get a jump on winterizing your home. The cool weather will be upon us before you know it, and in the Portland area, that means a lot of cloudy days, cool temperatures, wind and rain.
Here are a few simple tips to prepare your home for the winter weather of the Pacific Northwest:
- Clean your gutters. As the leaves start to fall, be sure to keep them out of your gutters. This is especially important in the wet winter climate we experience here in the Portland area–clogged gutters can force water to seep inside your house, which can cause serious structural and foundational damage.
- Inspect your ducts. In many homes, leaky and uninsulated ducts are the site of major energy losses. Sealing and insulating your ducts can help your furnace run more efficiently, saving you money on your heating costs.
- Up your insulation. Inadequate insulation is another major cause of home energy inefficiencies. Make sure that attics, basements, crawlspaces, attics and exterior walls are all insulated with quality products with a high R-value to inhibit and prevent heat loss during the winter.
- Check for drafts and air leaks. Crawlspaces, attics, vents, doors and windows are all places where air leaks and drafts can occur, and you’ll want to seal these off before winter’s arrival. Making the switch to energy-efficient windows and doors and ensuring that all leaks are sealed can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- Get your furnace serviced. This is perhaps the single most important winterization task to take care of before the cold weather arrives. Preventive maintenance ensures your furnace will work strong and smooth all winter long, boosting efficiency and decreasing the likelihood of a mechanical failure or breakdown.
At Roth Heating & Cooling, we provide affordable expert preventive maintenance services for your furnace and heating equipment, and we can also help you insulate and seal your home’s duct-work. If you’d like to learn more or wish to schedule service, please contact us at (503) 266-1249.
