Winter is a beautiful season because of the holidays and the snowfalls, but it comes with some issues too. Whether it’s the thermostat that goes on and off during prolonged periods, obstructed gutters that damage the roof, or simply you want to work in your garden, but the weather isn’t kind enough, winter is the perfect time to make some changes around the house.
Keep reading this blog to learn some home essentials 101 this January 2021, including budget-friendly hacks to keep the house warm, free from humidity and mold, and even some yard maintenance.
- Check your drainage and gutters
Nobody likes to clean the gutters and drains, period, but doing this will help you save money in the long run. After all, you don’t have to replace well-maintained gutters! You will also prevent damage to the roof or humidity accumulation (that frequently leads to mold) and other nasty home problems. Do it before the next big storm and keep your roof in good condition.
- Install or maintain window wells
Speaking of mold, an excellent way to keep humidity out of your basement is to install window wells. Ventilation and natural light are essential to keep that part of your house fresh and stainless, and well-installed window wells are the best budget-friendly option for doing this. However, you need a professional to do it because any mistake in the measure or materials can lead to flooding. If you already have window wells, inspect the liner and remove any debris and dirt periodically.
- Seal your doors and windows
Open and close your doors and windows. Do you notice a gap between the wall? Generally, old windows and worn-out doors have this problem. Shut them properly and stop drafts from cooling your home and raising your HVAC bill. Enter here if you want to know the best methods to seal those leaky windows and doors.
- Stop rapid cycling on your heating system
Rapid cycling is when your thermostat goes on and off to maintain the right temperature in your home. Most heating systems are programmed to sense a 1-degree or 1.5-degree drop and immediately act. This can occur every three minutes, and it certainly wastes a lot of money. Adjust your programmable thermostat and make sure the cycle does not repeat so often.
- Move the furniture, change your drapes
Perhaps the most inexpensive and effortless action you can take to keep your home warmer during winter is to arrange your furniture and open your curtains when necessary. Get to know your home’s natural process: at which hours does the living room feel colder? If you let the afternoon sunlight get in, will your rooms get warm enough? You will be surprised that taking these small actions will produce considerable changes in your indoor temperature, and maybe you will be using your thermostat a little less.
- Do a little maintenance for your yard
What better moment to do some yard keeping than in the winter downtime? Without those thick shrubs and branches that flourish in spring and summer, you can do your maintenance tasks without too much effort and no concern about damaging your precious plants. You can prune your trees, feed the wildlife, and even plant some bare-root plants.
We hope these six hacks to keep the house warm and free from mold were useful to you. Remember to enjoy your free time, get plenty of rest, and take care of your health during the winter. If you need any help with your cleaning chores, contact Illinois Valley Clean Team.
