We don’t know how much snow to expect this winter or whether it will be a colder winter than usual. That’s a job for the Farmer’s Almanac. What we do know is how to help you prepare for home for winter in Connecticut.
Follow these Connecticut winter tips to avoid cold weather-related mishaps, while also saving money on your heating bills.
Insulation is key
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that 20 percent of the energy used to heat your home can go to waste due to lack of proper insulation. Find out if your home is wasting heat by using an infrared thermal gun, if you have one, or place a lit candle by a door or window and see if the flame blows toward you.
Should you feel a draft under an exterior door, install a door sweep. Other drafts around doors and windows can be sealed with weather stripping. Consider plastic sheeting or bubble wrap for those windows as well. It’s not pretty, but it’s effective.
You will also want to find cracks and gaps so you can caulk them. Have an attic? You’ll want to insulate the floor with fibreglass or rockwool.
Replace screen doors and window screens with storm doors and storm windows, respectively. If your home has a fireplace, keep the flue closed when you’re not using it. And even though this might be obvious, make sure your furniture isn’t blocking your heating vents.
Prevent frozen pipes
Your pipes are at risk of freezing during the winter. And frozen pipes could lead to burst pipes. Not only is this inconvenient, but repairs are expensive.
Keep your pipes from bursting by insulating exposed pipes with electrical heating tape and foam sleeves. You’ll also want to drain and insulate outdoor faucets and turn off their water supply.
Speaking of which, if you’re a snow bird who will leave your home and spend the winter elsewhere, consider shutting off your entire water supply and draining the plumbing system.
Apply winter fertilizer to your lawn
Your lawn is going to need nutrients so that it can survive the Connecticut winter. Apply winter fertilizer (aka winterizer) to your lawn in mid-to-late November or early December and watch it grow faster, greener and healthier come spring time.
Winter fertilizer — which contains potassium and nitrogen — is not meant to help your grass grow in the fall. That’s what the fertilizer you should have applied in early fall is for.
Trim trees
Overgrown branches can break when frozen or windswept. You’re going to want to trim your trees or hire professionals to keep them from damaging your home, car and electrical wires — especially trees located right next to your home and sidewalk.
Stock up on firewood
Your fireplace is more than just a decoration. It can help warm up your home and cut down on your heating bill. Put that fireplace to work this winter and enjoy the warmth and glow of a burning fire.
You’ll need firewood, but not just any wood will do. Hardwood that has been seasoned at least 6-12 months will work best. The less moisture, the better.
Our firewood is a mix of hardwoods (Oak, maple, cherry and white birch) and been seasoned 1-2 years. Click here for more information on firewood and to schedule a pickup or delivery.