Winter may not officially start until December 21, but I highly doubt that winter weather will wait that long to make its appearance. Come on, we’re Minnesotans, we know better than to indulge in wishful thinking!
Before the cold weather really sets in, let’s do a quick refresher course in things you can do now to make sure your home stays safe and comfy all season long!
- Watch for snow accumulation on the leeward (downwind) side of a higher-level roof, where blowing snow will collect. For safe removal that won’t endanger you or damage your roof, consult a roofing contractor for a referral.
- Keep your attic well-ventilated to maintain a temperature close to that of the outdoors to minimize the risk of ice dams forming. A warm attic melts snow on the roof, causing water to run down and refreeze at the roof’s edge, where it’s much cooler. If ice builds up and blocks water from draining, water is forced under the roof covering and into your attic or down the inside walls of your house.
- To prevent plumbing freezes drain all garden hoses and insulate exposed plumbing pipes. It is also a good idea to locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
- If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote. Be sure to cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.
- Call your Minnesota HVAC professional to inspect your furnace to make sure it is ready to go for the winter heating season.
For more energy saving and home comfort tips, visit StayComfyMinnesota.com! Stay Comfy, Minnesota is your Minnesota resource for air conditioning repair, furnace repair and HVAC tips and advice.
Stay Comfy, Minnesota! 