Winter is fast approaching, and that means arctic blasts of cold air are heading your way. You may even see snow or ice before the season is out. That’s why it pays to make sure your modular house is ready for the next several months full of short days and cold nights.
Here’s what you should do right now to make sure your house is up for anything Old Man Winter throws at it.
SEAL OUT DRAFTS
Modern modular houses are designed to be more energy efficient than ever, which means they are well insulated against the cold. Still, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to places drafts come in and seal them off before winter.
- Inspect the weatherstripping around your doors. This small gasket helps seal out drafts and keep your house warm. If it’s cracked or losing its grip on your door jamb, it should be replaced. This is a quick, easy and inexpensive DIY job.
- Consider cellular window shades. Even new windows can feel cold in the winter, but window shades with honeycomb-like layers of air pockets will help insulate against drafts and keep your home warm. If you don’t love the look, shop for lined curtains instead.
- Consider a home energy audit. If you live in an older modular home, a home energy audit can show you exactly where you’re losing heat so you can upgrade your house accordingly. You may even find a local partner that subsides this work in your state.
GET YOUR FURNACE TUNED UP
Your heating system should get a tune-up once a year to make sure it’s running well. Ideally, this should take place before you turn it on in the fall, but better late than never. During the tune-up, ask the technician to show you how to change the air filter. Then you should add this task to your calendar, so you don’t forget to change it regularly. This will keep your system running efficiently throughout the season.
If you have electric baseboard heat, you don’t need an HVAC pro to help you. Just vacuum each baseboard unit well and check the thermostats to make sure they click on and off appropriately.
PROTECT YOUR PIPES
Pipes along the exterior walls of your house are the most likely to freeze during winter storms — especially if your power goes out. Protect them by wrapping them with stiff foam insulation to keep them warm. When temperatures drop, leave your faucets dripping to protect against a freeze as well.
By taking care of these simple steps, your home will be ready for the impending cold. Learn more about all the benefits of energy-efficient modular home by contacting us, your modular home dealer in North Carolina and Virginia.
