Living in the suburbs of Minneapolis, where temperatures can drop to frigid sub-zero degree temperatures, requires residents to be prepared for the onset of winter. From buying winter clothes to getting your car breaks serviced, there are numerous ways that those living in Edina and Minnetonka must prepare for the cold winter months. Perhaps the most important preparations, however, are to your home. Having a home that is well prepared for cold, snow, and ice will ensure that you are not left, literally, in the cold this winter. Here are some simple tips to help get this process started.

Give Your Heating and Cooling System a Checkup

Ensuring that your home is properly heated is the first step to preparing your home for the winter. It is vital that you have a routine inspection done on your HVAC system to help identify any maintenance that may be needed. Look for aheating and cooling company around Minnetonka or Edina, which will be able to give your system a look before winter begins. Air Quality Services in Hopkins, MN, for instance, is one company that services this area. In addition to having your heating and cooling system inspected, be sure to replace your heater’s filter and ensure that all vents are clean and unobstructed by furniture.

Check for Leaks

It is no use having a working heating system if you have leaks letting cold air into your home. Things like drafty windows and doors let heat out, unnecessarily wasting heat and energy. Try to test your windows in the morning when it is still cool outside. Stand by them and see if you can feel a draft. If so, it may be time to apply some caulking to seal up any noticeable holes. You may also want to replace your windows or invest in thicker curtains, which can help keep the heat inside.

Ensure Proper Insulation

Finally, ensure that your home is properly insulated. Think of it like putting a winter coat on your home for the long Minnesota winter. Places like attics and basements tend to be very cold in the winter due to a lack of proper insulation. Consider having insulation added to unused areas of your attic or in your floors, to lessen the loss of heat in your home. Many water heaters are stored in these colder areas of the home and benefit from having an extra layer of insulation added to them during the winter months to cut down on energy costs.

Sources
Getting Energy Ready for Winter, consumerenergycenter.org
10 Ways to Make Sure Your Home Is Winter-Ready, realsimple.com