November 21, 2023
As the Plant Operations Director at The Castlewood Senior Living. I know the importance of preparing both the community and my home for the cold winter weather. To prepare your house for winter weather, start by inspecting and sealing any gaps or cracks in doors, windows, and walls to prevent drafts and conserve heat. Be sure to clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Thus preventing ice dams that can damage your roof and walls when snow and ice accumulate.
Check your heating system and replace air filters. Consider scheduling a professional inspection to ensure it’s functioning efficiently and safely for the colder months. Insulate your home properly by adding weatherstripping to doors and windows, and consider adding insulation to your attic and walls to retain heat and lower energy bills. Remember also to prepare your outdoor spaces. Drain and store garden hoses, cover outdoor furniture, and trim tree branches that could damage your home during winter storms.
To prepare for colder weather at home. I am switching my vents open downstairs and mostly closed upstairs, except in the bathrooms. When changing vents, removing them and cleaning off any excess dust is good. I also put foam covers on my water spigots on the outside of my house. I switched the fan directions in my living room and bedroom. Having salt and a shovel for the driveway is always suitable for emergencies. Placing a weatherproof cap on your outside spigots helps to prevent frozen pipes from busting into your walls, causing significant damage.
Being indoors during the cold months can lead to seasonal depression. Setting up some small home improvement projects can brighten your mood. Some options include hanging new fixtures, painting, or changing out the decorations. It’s essential to keep active and break the monotony in your day-to-day.
The benefits of preparing your house for cold weather include energy savings and efficiency.
A little time and money spent preparing for cold weather will pay off great dividends through energy savings. There is no way to stop “Old Man Winter” from arriving at your door, but with some preparation, he’ll stay outside where he belongs!
The Castlewood Senior Living in Nixa, MO offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Cox Medical Center South and with convenient access to major shopping centers, including Fremont Hills Country Club, Fountain Plaza, Smallin Civil War Cave, 160 Grand Prix Amusement Center, and the 4 X 4 Brewery-Fremont.
