Winter is just around the corner. Being prepared for things that demand attention is always a good idea. If you do not want your apartment to be freezing when winter comes, you need to make arrangements beforehand. These arrangements involve winter-proofing your apartment. It is not enough to unpack your winter clothes and quilts to stay warm and cozy in your home.
You will also need to protect your apartment against winter as the cold temperatures can do some damage. There are some measures that you need to take before winter comes. The following are some ways to winter-proof your apartment so that you stay warm throughout the cold months.
Seal, Seal, and then Seal Some More
Sealing the openings that let the draft in is a good way to be prepared for the winter months. You would not want to be hit with a cold draft when you stand by the window to get a look outside. Try and identify inlets that let the outside air in and then seal them. Look for areas around the windows, the doors, and the vents.
It is worth mentioning that you should not seal your air vents but the areas from where cool air can enter. Closing air vents increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. For sealing, you can use anything from caulking, foam-blowing to weather stripping and adhesive tapes. Anything that saves you from cold drafts is welcome. The drafts can also be stopped by snakes, which are foamy pipes that are meant for blocking air from small crevices.
Sealing is important because keeping the cold air out of the house in winters and keeping the warm air inside the home is equally necessary. You can also choose to cover your keyholes and letterboxes temporarily. If you are not going to use your fireplace this winter, then you need to invest in a chimney balloon or ensure that the flue remains closed at all times.
Take Care of the AC Inlets
When you seal the crevices and opening of your apartment, you should save some of the sealing material. This will come in handy to seal the AC inlets. It is natural that winters see no need for you to use air conditioning. Sealing the AC inlets is more to keep the heat from escaping via the inlets rather than letting cold drafts in. Make sure you use a covering that can be easily removed because summers will require you to use your AC again.
Use Curtains for Windows
Use thick curtains, blinds, or drapes that will not only prevent the light from getting in but also the cool air. The curtains or blinds should be opaque and thick enough to block the chill. You can also choose to line them with insulating materials for better effect. But make sure you are only using them at night. Keep the curtains open during the day to get that warm sunshine in to help you keep the room cozy.
Rugs and Carpets Essential to Preserve the Warmth
Rugs and carpets are staples when it comes to braving the winters. Most apartments are furnished with hardwood floors, but some also have tile. These floors are excellent to walk on in summers because they do not catch heat easily, but these floors have the opposite effect in winters.
If you cover the floor with rugs and carpets, you are protecting your feet against the cool floors and trapping in the heat, which is necessary during the winter months. You can also opt for other floor coverings and if you do not want to cover your floor, make sure you wear some socks.
Insulating the Roof and Walls
This is not an easy job but will be very rewarding when you are sitting toasty in your apartment. Insulation is primarily done to preserve heat. It will help you maintain the temperature which you prefer in your apartment. Insulation is needed in the winters in each location where there is a chance of snow and extremely low temperatures.
Once you are done with insulation, you will be protected from the climatic conditions outside. If you are opting to use a fireplace or your heater, using insulation would help you reduce your dependence on these. You would preserve electricity as the heater’s heat would remain trapped for a longer time and also on wood if you are keeping warm by the fireplace. The most widely used insulating materials used for apartments are wool, foam, and cotton. The interior of the insulation can also use thermocol or polystyrene.
Protect your Valves
In locations where winters come with below zero temperatures, freezing of valves is a real threat you will be facing. This can damage the durability of the valves. You can always thaw the frozen valve, but it will take more time to thaw the valve than to protect it from freezing in the first place. You can protect your valves by draining or bleeding them every now and then, or you can put them near a constant source of heat so that they are not cold enough to freeze. Contact your stainless steel valve company for more tips on the maintenance of your valves.
Padded Pipes
Pipes can burst and sustain severe damage due to freezing. Bleed or drain your pipes, like your valves or keep them near a heat source to keep them away from harm. You can also choose to insulate the pipes with foam sleeves. This will save energy along with your pipes.
The Takeaway
Winter Proofing your apartment will take some effort on your part, but it will all be worth it in the end. You will have to make sure to cover all the points so that there is no way winter can cause you inconvenience when you are looking to relax in your apartment. It will be easier to make a checklist before starting to ensure that you do not miss anything.
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