Image courtesy of Pexels

If your home’s not prepared for cold weather, your family could experience more than its fair share of illnesses. So here are some tips from Wildlife X Team on how to keep your home insulated – and your family insulated against the sniffles.

Have Your Home Inspected for Pests

As winter approaches, it's crucial to have your home inspected for pests. Pests like rodents, insects, and other critters often seek shelter indoors from the harsh winter conditions, making your cozy home an attractive destination. An inspection by a professional pest control service can help identify any potential entry points and signs of infestation in your home. They can provide effective solutions to seal off these access points and deal with any existing pests, ensuring your home remains pest-free throughout the winter. Make an appointment with Wildlife X Team to get winter ready today!

Fight the Bite of Cold from the Top Down

If you’ve ever received a significantly higher bill in the dead of winter, your home might not be as prepared for all seasons. Thankfully, there are upgrades you can make that will go a long way toward keeping your home cozy.

Before frigid temperatures head your way, perform a roof inspection. Your roof is the first line of defense against any weather, so it shouldn’t have any weak spots like missing or broken shingles, curling or misshapen shingles, or signs of a leak, as roofs not in tip-top shape are prone to damage with cycles of freezing and thawing. Also, if planning to put your property on the market any time soon, a sturdy roof can make a big difference in resale value.

Depending on the type of roofing system your home has, this inspection includes a thorough look around the attic. An improperly insulated attic could overwork your cooling and heating systems. Plus, if your attic isn’t properly ventilated, you can have unexpected critter guests or uninvited mold. Inspecting and correcting your roof and attic insulation will do you good all year round, and it’s usually the biggest task on your to-do list for winter prep.

Gear Up for Winter Inside Your Home

You can’t spend all day out in the winter cold, so spend ample time on activities indoors to improve your home. While you’re busy tackling things like repainting a room or organizing your closets, do small things along the way to add comfort to your home and your winter.

Consider Windows and Doors

Weatherproofing strips and caulking around doors and windows takes little time to install — and they’re affordable. As the home settles, small openings or cracks may form around windows, and you could be losing up to 30 percent of your heating and cooling efforts through these.

Open your cabinet doors and keep faucets trickling slightly to avoid freezing pipes. Take this a step further and venture outside with a sealant to use around the entry point of any water pipes. You may have been told to cover outside pipes with blankets as well, so head to the store.

Invest in heavy curtains when stocking up on supplies, so you can add another barrier between yourself and the elements outside. So far, you can either handle these tasks on your own or hire someone to do them, but have you considered any digital help?

Think About a Home Warranty

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of important home system components and appliances that break down over time. This is what a home warranty is: a safety net against unexpected and costly repairs. The benefits of purchasing a home warranty are multifold. First, it provides financial protection. Instead of shelling out hundreds or even thousands of dollars for unexpected repairs, you pay a relatively small monthly fee and a set service call fee. Second, it offers convenience and peace of mind. When something breaks, you don't have to scramble to find a reliable contractor; the home warranty company has a network of licensed professionals at their disposal. Finally, it protects your home, one of your most significant investments, ensuring that wear and tear don't diminish its value over time.

Invest in Smart Home Tech

Every upgrade you make to your home will benefit you now and later, especially if you consider looking into some technological upgrades. Maybe now’s the time to turn your home into a smart home. According to a Research and Markets report, the global smart home market size is expected to grow from $78.3 billion in 2020 to $135.3 billion by 2025, one driver being the increasing need for energy-saving and low carbon emission-oriented solutions.

Replace your ceiling fans with an option that spins both clockwise and counter, install a smart thermostat, swap out your hot water heater with an energy-efficient heater, and look into solar panel installation to power a percentage or most of your home’s electricity needs.

Big Upgrades Can Yield Big Benefits

You may want to consider some heavier renovations to prepare for the colder months. For example, if you want to turn that cold and uninviting unfinished basement into a place where the family can gather together during the winter, consider finishing this space. This is a pricier endeavor than the others we’ve discussed, but it could be just what you need to feel happy and cozy when the temperatures drop. The price you’ll pay will depend on the materials used, especially if you take steps to help prevent mold. Contact a basement renovator to get quotes, and be sure to get several quotes before you make a decision.

Winter can be a magical time of the year if you’re prepared for it. Your snowsuit can keep you warm outside, and your home upgrades, such as a new mattress, windows, and a smart thermostat, can keep you warm inside. Make every winter in your home a comfortable one, and save money in the long run.

Wildlife & Pest Infestation 

If you think that you have a wildlife or pest infestation, don't hesitate to reach out to Wildlife x Team by giving us a call at 855-WILDLIFE or visiting www.wildlifexteam.com for more information. 

Thanks!
-Wildlife x Team International