Getting Ready for the Snow

I know we don’t want to think about this but the time is almost here.  We will wake up one morning to beautiful white snowflakes falling and then remember:  We have to go outside, walk and drive in it.  Are you ready?

Here is a list of things to consider so you are prepared, around your house, when the first snow falls:

·         Check your snow blower, to make sure it’s working and purchase fuel for it, if needed.

ü  Safety:  Don’t ever put your hands/feet near the blades of a snow blower while on, turn it off before checking for a jam.

ü  Safety:  Keep all shields in place at all times.

·         Mark your driveway edges with driveway markers, make sure obstacles that might not be seen with snow on the ground are marked (ex. Ornamental plants, lawn décor)

·         Pull anything in from sidewalks that could get caught in snow blower (ex. Hose guides)

·         Put your shovels close to the garage and front/back door to shovel driveways and sidewalks

·         Buy a bag of salt to have near your shovels to spread out after shoveling or snow blowing.

·         Get out your warm gloves, hats, coats and boots.  You want to bundle up when you go into the cold weather.

Check out our prior blog on ‘Weatherizing Your Home.’ http://spectrumhomeservicesdc.blogspot.com/2010/10/weatherize-your-home.html

Look for our next blog on vehicle preparation for snow and cold weather.  Have a safe and fun winter!

Weatherize Your Home

Air leaks generally increase your energy bill by 15-35%. There are two main components to help fix this issue.  Caulking and weather stripping will help alleviate drafts and keep your home feeling warmer when it's cold outside.

1.    Accessing air quality

Because caulk and weather stripping limit indoor/outdoor air circulation, you should assess your indoor air quality before you apply them. Some homes contain dust, mold, carbon dioxide, and other indoor air contaminants. Sealing air leaks in these homes, without proper ventilation, can also seal in their indoor air pollutants. Therefore, any plan to tighten the thermal envelope of a home should be accompanied by a look at your home's ventilation needs.

2.    Detecting air leaks

You may already know where some air leakage occurs in your home, such as an under-the-door draft that makes you want to put on socks. But you'll probably need to search to find the less obvious gaps.

Look between foundation and walls, and between the chimney and siding. Also inspect around the following for any cracks and gaps that could cause air leaks 

• Door and window frames
• Mail chutes
• Electrical and gas service entrances  
• Cable TV and phone lines
• Outdoor water faucets
• Where dryer vents pass through walls
• Bricks, siding, stucco, and foundation
• Air conditioners
• Vents and fans.

Depressurize your home to help detect leaks.  On a cool, very windy day, turn off the furnace, shut all windows and doors.  Turn on all fans that blow air outside, such as bathroom fans or stove vents.  Then light an incense stick and pass it around the edges of common leak sites.  Wherever the smoke is sucked out of or blown into the room, there's a draft.  Or just turn on all your exhaust fans (don't need to turn off the furnace) and try this:

• At night, shine a flashlight over all potential gaps while a partner observes the house from outside. Large cracks will show up as rays of light. Not a good way to detect small cracks.

3.    Caulking/Weather Stripping

Since caulking is a major element of weatherization, access to an air compressor would come in very handy. Fitted with a caulking gun attachment the air compressor allows a smoother, almost effortless application in all areas needing caulk.

Be sure the seam or crack you are filling is free from any built-up paint or old, deteriorated caulking. Use a putty knife or a large screwdriver to scrape the opening clean. There should be no moisture in the crack before applying the caulking, or it will be trapped inside once the caulk sets up.

Make sure to choose a type of weather stripping that will withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear associated with its location.

If you have questions contact your local hardware store to help you find what you need and follow directions.