Easy Ways to Winterize Your Home

As days get shorter and the cold weather settles in, it's essential to prepare your home for frost, freeze, and other harsh weather elements. These simple tips will help keep your manufactured home warm and prevent potential disasters from the low temperatures.

1. Reverse the Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can either create a downdraft or an updraft depending on the direction. In winter, your fan should go clockwise to create an updraft that will circulate the warm air. This will keep you warmer without having to dial the temperature up by 3-5 degrees, saving you money on your utility bill.

2. Inspect Seals
To check for issues with seals, first, see if there are any visible gaps along the frame of your windows and doors. Next, see if you feel any drafts when doors and windows are closed. Last, look for condensation forming inside your windows. If you find that there are issues with your seals, it is an easy fix. You can replace the weatherstripping for a tighter seal, and for small gaps, apply caulk to prevent any air leaks.

3. Check Insulation
The most common place to see insulation issues is underneath the home. Before adding any additional insulation, look for signs of sagging or water-spotted sections. Moisture will degrade the performance of insulation, so it is important to solve the water problems first before adding new insulation.

4. Service Heating System
It's always better to be safe than sorry, so before the cold weather sets in, have a professional inspect your heating system. Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your pump, but will also provide cleaner air and lower electric bills. While you should regularly replace filters, now is a good time to check if a new filter is needed. This should be done monthly to reduce dust and allergens.

5. Check Roof
If you live in an area susceptible to snow, inspecting your roof before winter is crucial to handle the weight accumulation. Even in milder climates, roof maintenance is important. Start by checking the shingles for loose or sunken areas, inspect flashing around chimneys and dormers for rust or damage, and clear gutters of any debris that could obstruct drainage.

For metal roof homeowners: be sure to look for loose, missing, or damaged panels. Metal roofs are durable, but extreme weather can cause wear and tear. Check for any areas where the panels are loose, bent, or missing fasteners.

6. Test Smoke/Carbon Monoxide
Fires, candles, and holiday lights can create a cozy vibe, however, they also are known fire hazards. So to ensure your safety, verify all smoke detectors are equipped with fresh batteries and are functioning correctly.

7. Prep for Power Outage
Power outages can be challenging at any time, but they become particularly dangerous in freezing conditions. Prepare a kit to keep you warm and safe, including battery-powered lights, extra batteries, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable food. Additionally, consider investing in a generator to power a heater in emergency situations.

These simple steps will help to ensure you're manufactured home is protected for the winter months ahead.

For more home maintenance tips and insights, check out more articles from our Resource Center.