7 Steps to Winterizing Your Home on Alabama’s Eastern Shore

You’ve spent countless hours making your Eastern Shore house a home, but have you spent time thinking about how you’re going to protect it this winter? As colder weather approaches, you’ll need to prepare your home against occasional freezing temperatures, snow, and ice while keeping a comfortable and efficient atmosphere inside. Without the right knowledge of how to do this, you could be left with expensive repairs this season. Swinson Air Conditioning  cares about the comfort and protection of your investment which is why we’re sharing 7 tips for winterizing your home on Alabama’s Eastern Shore.

1. Weatherstripping

Your weather stripping may have looked great when you moved into your home, but have you checked it lately? Weather stripping deteriorates over time due to the South’s extreme temperatures, harsh weather conditions, and regular wear and tear. Before the cold sets in, check the weatherstripping around your doors and windows, and if it’s damaged or deteriorated, replace it. For extra protection, invest in storm windows or doors to help regulate temperatures in your home better. These are great additions to homes in Loxley and the surrounding areas.

2. Fireplace

Before lighting up the fireplace for the first time this season, check that all components are clean and free of debris. This means checking the chimney for nests or dust and ash buildup, and ensuring there is a clean path leading outside. Also, check that the screen is not damaged and that dust has not gathered around the logs. Make sure you have all the right fireplace tools close by and know how to properly use them. Taking these steps will ensure the safety of your home and your family.

3. Insulation

Many times, when home’s are losing heat and HVAC systems are running inefficiently in colder months, it’s due to improper insulation. This is especially true for older homes on the Eastern Shore. The problem could be that your insulation has cracked or flaked over the years and is not resisting air like it should. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable temperatures and high energy bills, ensure you have sufficient insulation in your attic, and fill in any cracks or gaps you see. This will keep heat from escaping your home this winter, and it will keep cold air from seeping in. In turn, you’ll save more money on your monthly energy bills.

4. Outdoor Items

While outdoor furniture, grills, lawnmowers, and other equipment are made for outside use, they’re not made to withstand harsh weather conditions such as freezing temperatures, ice, and snow. In these conditions, your equipment will begin to rust and deteriorate, and before you know it, you’re paying a fortune for repairs. Avoid the hassle by bringing outdoor items into your home, garage, or other covered, and preferably temperature controlled environment such as a basement or shed. If you’re unable to move them inside, cover them with the proper material to withstand freezing temperatures. 

Plants can also be damaged by the cold when conditions get around or below 45 degrees, which doesn’t happen too often in Loxley, but it does happen! Move plants inside as well and keep them in a sunny area. You’ll also get better air purification by bringing your plants in the house.

5. Programmable Thermostat 

Investing in a programmable thermostat is one of the best decisions you can make this season. These thermostats incorporate schedule control settings for optimal temperature and efficiency while you’re at home or away. In the winter, plan to schedule your thermostat to be set at lower temperatures while you’re away and back to a comfortable temperature before you even return home. You can save money with minimal effort, and you even have the option of controlling your thermostat from your smartphone. 

6. Roof

Your roof withstands the wrath of every season, so inspecting it regularly is important for your home, your family, and your wallet. Before freezing temperatures hit, make sure shingles are not missing or broken. Clear debris from the rooftop and gutters. Next, move inside because you’ll want to check the attic and ceilings for leaks and necessary repair as well. Make sure the attic is properly ventilated to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. In our humid climate, this is more common than you’d think.

7. Heating System

Regularly inspecting and maintaining your heating system is crucial to avoiding a system breakdown or the need for costly repairs when the cold hits. Change your filter regularly, clean the area around the outdoor unit, and ensure your thermostat is working correctly. If all this looks good, then you’re on the right track to having a smooth winter. 

However, you still need to schedule preventive maintenance from your local heating and air conditioning contractor. The licensed professionals at Swinson are trained to inspect all components of your system to ensure it’s working properly. Our preventative maintenance plans help to prolong the life of your system, improve efficiency, and reduce the need for costly repairs. 

If your system has been underperforming the past few seasons, or if it’s over 10 years old, it may be time for a replacement. Luckily, we also offer top-of-the-line heat pumps and furnaces. We offer free in-home estimates on replacing the system you have now. Our licensed technicians are trained to make recommendations on a home-by-home basis to ensure you get the best for your home, family, and budget. If you think you may be in the market for a new system, give us a call today. 

Learn More

Swinson Air Conditioning Company Inc. is a trusted Heating and Air Conditioning Dealer in Loxley, AL. Our professional staff can answer any questions you might have, and make recommendations as to which system will work better for your individual situation.

You may also call us at 251-990-0998 or email us at [email protected].