As winter approaches and the days get shorter, many of us enjoy the cozy feeling of snuggling under a blanket with a hot cup of tea.
However, winter’s extreme cold can bring serious challenges, including damage to homes, power outages, and even life-threatening conditions.
In the United States alone, extreme cold has been responsible for thousands of deaths. For instance, a severe winter storm in Texas in 2021 caused significant power outages and led to over 200 deaths.
To stay safe and comfortable during cold snaps, it’s essential to prepare your home. Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) provide valuable advice on making your home resilient against cold weather.
Keeping the Heat In
Heating System Maintenance
Your first step should be to ensure your heating system is in good condition.
If it’s old or hasn’t been serviced in a while, it might not work efficiently, leading to colder indoor temperatures and higher bills. Check for duct leaks, change air filters regularly, and keep chimneys clean if you use fireplaces or woodstoves.
Sealing Windows and Doors
Check for air leaks around windows and doors. These are common areas where heat escapes. Windows, though only a small part of a home’s exterior, can be responsible for nearly half of the heat loss. If you can’t replace your windows with more energy-efficient ones, consider installing honeycomb-style shades. These shades are more effective than vinyl blinds in reducing heat transfer. Also, open shades during sunny parts of the day to let in natural warmth.
Addressing Air Leakage
Look for other spots where air might be leaking, such as where pipes, ducting, or wiring comes through walls, floors, or ceilings. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal these gaps. However, keep in mind that a well-sealed home can accumulate moisture, leading to problems like mold growth. To prevent this, use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom, especially when cooking, drying clothes indoors, or after showers.
Preparing for a Cold Snap
Quick Fixes
If a winter storm is forecast, there are quick fixes to stay warm. Hang blankets over windows at night and open them when it’s sunny.
Woodstoves and fireplaces are great for extra heat, but make sure their chimneys are clean. Portable electric heaters can be effective but should be used cautiously.
If using propane heaters or unvented gas fireplaces, crack open a window for ventilation and ensure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
Safety Precautions
Never leave electric or propane heaters unattended, as home fires are more common in winter. Place portable heaters in stable locations away from foot traffic and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
Major Renovations for Long-Term Resilience
Insulating the Attic
For those considering major renovations, start with air-sealing and insulating your attic. This can prevent warm air from escaping and reduce the risk of ice dams on your roof. Ice dams can cause water to leak into your home.
External Insulation
When re-siding your home, adding rigid foam insulation to the exterior walls before installing new siding can significantly improve heat retention.
Strategic Landscaping
Landscaping can also help. Plant evergreen trees on the north side of your home to block cold winds. Plant deciduous trees near southern-facing windows; they will lose their leaves in winter, allowing sunlight to warm your home.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a warmer, safer winter at home, even during the coldest months. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in protecting against the challenges of extreme cold weather.
Source: KSR.
