It usually doesn’t get too bad during the winter in central Florida. We don’t get snow usually, the sun still shines and the grass still grows. That doesn’t mean it still isn’t winter. Insulation is key to protecting your home from the cold and we have 5 tips to help you winter-proof your home.
Seal Up Your Windows
Windows in homes in Florida are not designed to keep out the cold. As such it’s a good idea to wrap your windows. Quick solutions are plastic sheets that you can tape to windows to seal up holes and gaps. Heavy drapes and curtains also help to insulate your windows and keep in the heat and keep out the cold.
Improve Your Insulation
Air likes to travel. Especially warm air, which likes to rise. Rising air means it is looking for a way out of your homes. Often this exit is through the roof or attic. One way to improve heat retention is to make sure you have insulation in your attic and roof. This can be a bit costly if you’re starting from scratch, but the improvements in energy savings and warmth during the winter will be well worth it.
Switch Your Fan Direction
You may not realize it but your fan has two directions. In the summer, having your fan rotate counterclockwise helps to circulate cool air up through your house. In the winter you want to reverse this direction so that warm air that rises is pulled back down into the room. This helps keep the warm air inside your home instead of letting it escape out of your roof. Most fans have a small switch on the side making this a quick and easy solution to help keep your home warm.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system help to circulate warm air throughout your home. Ideally, you want to change your filters every thirty days as dust, dirt, and other particles clog them up and reduce air quality and airflow over time. This will help reduce energy costs and keep your home clean during winters when you’re shut up inside.
Perform Necessary Maintenance On Your HVAC System
Another way to ready your home is to make sure your HVAC system is operating in optimal condition. Having a technician service your HVAC will make sure there are no problems when you have to crank up the heat. A failing heater can be an expensive repair so making sure that you perform routine maintenance will save you time and money in the long run. More importantly, you’ll never have to worry about your heater going out in the middle of an, especially cold winter night.
There you have it, our 5 tips for winter-proofing your central Florida home. While we’ve given you some tips to help keep your home nice and warm the next time the temperature drops, the best thing to keep out the cold is proper insulation. If you need help insulating your house against winter weather, the folks at Done Rite Insulation can help you get your home in top shape. Don’t let winter weather catch you off guard. Use the tips in our guide to winter-proof your home today.
