Winter in Northern Virginia can bring freezing temperatures, chilly winds, snow, and ice. Before colder weather settles in, taking a little time to prepare your home can help keep your family comfortable, protect your property, and potentially lower your energy bills.
Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or recently moved in, here are a few important steps to get your Northern Virginia home ready for winter.
Have Your Heating System Checked
You don’t want to discover a heating system problem on the first truly cold night of the season. Schedule routine maintenance for your furnace or heat pump before temperatures drop. Also check your HVAC filter and replace it when needed.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners should have furnaces and heat pumps professionally maintained each year and regularly clean or replace HVAC filters.
Check for Drafts and Air Leaks
Small gaps around windows, doors, plumbing penetrations, and other areas can let heated air escape and cold air enter. Walk through your home and pay attention to areas where you notice a draft.
Weatherstripping and caulk can help address some minor air leaks. Also consider the condition of your home’s insulation. A well-insulated, properly constructed home can make it easier to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout Northern Virginia’s changing seasons.
Energy efficiency is one reason the quality of a home’s original construction matters. At Sona Homes, quality and durability are priorities, with construction features designed to reduce ownership, maintenance, and heating and cooling costs over time.
Protect Your Pipes
Freezing temperatures can put exposed and poorly insulated plumbing at risk. Before winter, disconnect garden hoses and follow the proper steps to winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
Check pipes in colder areas such as basements, crawlspaces, garages, and near exterior walls. Pipe insulation can provide additional protection in vulnerable locations. During especially cold weather, keep your home adequately heated and know where your main water shutoff is in case a pipe bursts.
Clean Gutters and Inspect the Exterior
Falling leaves can quickly fill gutters throughout Northern Virginia. Once most of the leaves have fallen, clear gutters and downspouts so melting snow and winter rain can drain away from your home.
Take this opportunity to look over your roof, siding, exterior trim, and foundation as well. Addressing minor problems before winter weather arrives can help prevent moisture from turning them into larger repairs.
Prepare for Snow and Ice
Northern Virginia winters can be unpredictable, so it pays to prepare before the forecast calls for snow. Make sure you have snow shovels, ice melt, flashlights, batteries, and other basic winter supplies available.
Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, tools, and seasonal items before strong winter winds and storms arrive.
A Quality Home Makes Every Season More Comfortable
Preparing for winter is part of responsible homeownership, but the way your home was built also makes a difference. Quality insulation, efficient systems, durable materials, and thoughtful construction can help a home perform better throughout every season.
If you’re considering building a new home in Northern Virginia, Sona Homes has been building custom and semi-custom homes throughout Northern and Central Virginia since 1989. Contact Sona Homes to learn more about creating a comfortable, durable home designed for your family and the Virginia climate.