Snow has already pummeled parts of New York state, but even with snow on the ground, it’s not too late to prepare for the pending wintry weather.
Clearing your gutters and sealing up cracks can save homeowners money, both by lowering energy costs and potentially preventing the sort of emergencies that end in costly repairs.
Weatherization – also called weatherproofing – protects a building’s interior from outside temperatures and moisture. In winter, actions such as air sealing and insulation improve heat retention, cut energy use, enhance indoor comfort and aim to prevent ice damage, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Along with frigid temperatures and shorter days, winter in New York brings increased demand for indoor heating, the agency said. In a typical home, 43% of annual energy consumption goes toward space heating – but if not weatherized, air leaks can waste up to 40% of the energy used for heating.
Here’s how NYSERDA and the state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services suggest winterizing your home or business:
Address air leaks
Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and weatherstrip around doors, windows and baseboards, use window installation kits of plastic film. You can also upgrade older windows and exterior doors.
Add insulation
Improve or add insulation to crawl spaces, attics, basements and exterior walls.
Clear gutters and inspect roof
Clear all debris from your gutters to prevent ice dams from forming and to ensure proper drainage and avoid wood rot. Also, check shingles on your roof for damage with particular attention to the area near the chimney. Aim to cut away branches overhanging your house – those can become heavy with ice and snow and ultimately damage the roof.
Check HVAC systems
Have your furnace, wood or coal stove, chimney inspected by a professional annually. Change furnace filters regularly. Also test, replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Includes reporting by USA Today network
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Prepare for the next New York storm by winterizing your home
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
