{"id":4889,"date":"2015-01-09T11:00:25","date_gmt":"2015-01-09T16:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=4889"},"modified":"2016-01-04T10:12:39","modified_gmt":"2016-01-04T15:12:39","slug":"easy-diy-projects-to-winterize-your-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/easy-diy-projects-to-winterize-your-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Easy DIY Projects to Winterize Your Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you want to reduce energy bills and avoid expensive emergency repairs this winter, here are some easy DIY projects to winterize your home. Although many home winterizing chores are best done in the fall, all of these projects can be tackled in the wintertime. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0The results will benefit your bottom line, reduce maintenance chores when spring arrives, and increase your family\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s comfort during the long, cold winter.<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/default.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-4899\" title=\"Here are some easy DIY projects to winterize your home that will save you money on energy and reduce maintenance chores.\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/winter_house.jpg\" alt=\"Easy DIY Projects to Winterize Your Home\" width=\"365\" height=\"274\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Keep the Cold Out and Heat In<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Inspect your home\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s exterior doors, windows and other outside openings (like dryer vents and wiring) for drafts. <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.bobvila.com\/articles\/bob-vila-radio-weatherstripping\/#.VK1Xh2TF9Z4');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.bobvila.com\/articles\/bob-vila-radio-weatherstripping\/#.VK1Xh2TF9Z4\" target=\"_blank\">Install weather-stripping<\/a> and caulking where you detect cold air leaks. <em>(Note that caulking installation is temperature-sensitive: \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0latex caulking should be applied in temps above 40<sup> o<\/sup>F whereas silicone caulking can be installed in temps as low as -20<sup>o<\/sup>F.) \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Apply <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.wikihow.com\/Install-Window-Insulation-Film');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Install-Window-Insulation-Film\" target=\"_blank\">heat-shrink window insulation film<\/a> to glass windows to block drafts. <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Remove window A\/C units and store until spring or cover them with a special foam insulated cover to protect against drafts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8551-sooteater-rch205-rotary-chimney-cleaning-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8551-sooteater-rch205-rotary-chimney-cleaning-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"The Sooteater Rotary Chimney cleaning whip helps prevent fires by removing dangerous soot and creosote from chimneys and flues.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/product\/medium\/8551_3_.jpg\" alt=\"Sooteater RCH205 Rotary Chimney Cleaning System\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a>Keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use and replace the damper door if it is deteriorating.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 On a day when there\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s no precipitation, use a <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8551-sooteater-rch205-rotary-chimney-cleaning-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8551-sooteater-rch205-rotary-chimney-cleaning-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">do-it-yourself chimney cleaning system<\/a> to remove soot and creosote from chimneys and flues. This will help prevent chimney fires and improve the efficiency of your wood stove or fireplace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Replace manual thermostats with <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-280-programmable-thermostats.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-280-programmable-thermostats.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">programmable thermostats<\/a> that will lower the heat automatically when you go to bed or to work and raise it when you return. <em>(According to the <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/energy.gov\/energysaver\/articles\/thermostats');\"  href=\"http:\/\/energy.gov\/energysaver\/articles\/thermostats\" target=\"_blank\">U.S. Department of Energy<\/a>, you can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill by turning your thermostat back 10\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00b0 to 15\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00b0 for 8 hours.)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Trim Threatening Tree Branches<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Tree branches weighted down by snow and ice can fall and take power lines with them or damage your house. Spend a couple of hours to trim tree branches that are growing too close to your house or electric lines. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0A manual\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/hubpages.com\/hub\/tree-saw');\"  href=\"http:\/\/hubpages.com\/hub\/tree-saw\" target=\"_blank\">\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cpole saw\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d<\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0(a serrated saw on an extension pole) is recommended for this task.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Winterize Outdoor Water Lines<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>It\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s never too late to winterize your outdoor water system. Turn off all outdoor water faucets using the shut-off valves in the basement and leave faucet handles open to prevent freezing and cracking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Disconnect, drain and store garden hoses in the garage or shed. If they are already frozen, thaw and drain them in your bathtub before storing. If you need the hose during the winter months for pets or for filling an outdoor hot tub or pond, get a\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8377-kh-pet-products-thermo-hose-rubber.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8377-kh-pet-products-thermo-hose-rubber.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">thermostatically-controlled rubber hose<\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that you plug in for 20 minutes before using.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9115-backyard-innovations-quick-drain.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9115-backyard-innovations-quick-drain.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"The Quick Drain wand is powered by simple siphon action and drains 10 to 12 gallons per minute from your spa.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/9115.jpg\" alt=\"Backyard Innovations Quick Drain\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Empty outdoor spas and whirlpools if you won\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t be using them or don\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t want the expense of heating them during the cold winter. Use a <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9115-backyard-innovations-quick-drain.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9115-backyard-innovations-quick-drain.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Quick Drain wand<\/a> to quickly syphon water and remove debris at the same time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><em>Protect Against Indoor Flooding<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Water pipes located in unheated areas of the home (such as attics, basements, crawlspaces and garages) are prone to freezing and bursting, so take the time to wrap them with insulated tape or flexible molded pipe sleeves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/combat-basement-flooding-with-a-sump-pump\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sump pumps<\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0are an effective device to protect against catastrophic basement floods caused by high water tables, heavy rains or melting snow and ice. If your home has an electric sump pump without a battery backup, it won\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t operate when there is a power outage. Add a <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8017-pitboss-cellular-pump-alarm.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8017-pitboss-cellular-pump-alarm.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">cellular pump alarm<\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0to your system to receive a text message alert on your cell phone if your sump pump stops working due to a power outage or malfunction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-200-floodstop-shutoff-valves.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-200-floodstop-shutoff-valves.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"Lead-free FloodStop Shutoff Valves automatically shut off water when there is a leak.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/8474.jpg\" alt=\"Floodstop Washing Machine Valve Shutoff Kit\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>To receive alerts of unwanted water near other appliances or on the basement floor, install a <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/a-buyers-guide-to-affordable-water-alarms\/\" target=\"_blank\">water alarm<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>To protect against messy damage caused by a leaky washing machine or hot water heater, install an <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/t-automatic-water-shut-off-valves.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/t-automatic-water-shut-off-valves.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">automatic water shut off valve<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Prepare for the Inevitable Power Outage<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Stock up on bottled drinking water, non-perishable foods, batteries and firewood to get you through the next inevitable winter power outage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Other useful devices to have on-hand include a battery-powered <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-352-weather-alert-radios.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-352-weather-alert-radios.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">weather alert radio<\/a>; flashlights (including at least one <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8642-wind-n-go-1-watt-waterproof-flashlight.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8642-wind-n-go-1-watt-waterproof-flashlight.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">hand-crank model<\/a>); an <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8643-powernow-grande-tablet-ipad-and-cell-phone-charger.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8643-powernow-grande-tablet-ipad-and-cell-phone-charger.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">emergency charger<\/a> for cell phones and tablets; and <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7940-datexx-led-92mb-sentina-4-way-smart-rechargeable-led-light.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7940-datexx-led-92mb-sentina-4-way-smart-rechargeable-led-light.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">automatic nightlights<\/a> to illuminate key rooms and hallways.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Connect appliances, computers and other valuable electronic devices to a\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-358-energy-savers-surge-protectors.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-358-energy-savers-surge-protectors.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">surge protector<\/a> to protect against power surges that can occur when electric service is restored.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6874-deluxe-freeze-alarm-fa-d2.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6874-deluxe-freeze-alarm-fa-d2.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"The Deluxe Freeze Alarm calls up to three phone numbers if inside temperatures get too low.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/6874.jpg\" alt=\"Deluxe Freeze Alarm (FA-D2)\" width=\"197\" height=\"197\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><em>Prevent Freeze Emergencies While You&#8217;re Away<\/em><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>If you plan to travel extensively this winter or even if you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2ll be away for just a few days at a time, look into getting a device called a \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201c<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ss-JegJA8xM&amp;feature=youtu.be');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ss-JegJA8xM&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\">freeze alarm<\/a>\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d to monitor conditions inside your home and give you advance notice of falling temperatures and power outages.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 There are <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/t-freeze-alarms-comparison-chart.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/t-freeze-alarms-comparison-chart.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">a range of freeze alarms<\/a> to choose from, many of which can also be used to monitor things like water or motion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Summary<\/em><\/h2>\n<p>Schedule a few of these easy DIY projects for the upcoming winter weekends and you won&#8217;t regret it when spring rolls around and you have fewer repairs to do around the house and yard. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0For more do-it-yourself products and ideas to winterize your home and automate your life, go to the <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">diycontrols.com blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you want to reduce energy bills and avoid expensive emergency repairs this winter, here are some easy DIY projects to winterize your home. Although many home winterizing chores are best done in the fall, all of these projects can be tackled in the wintertime.&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/easy-diy-projects-to-winterize-your-home\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4899,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,10,178,6],"tags":[450,578,487,488,552,388,236,12,457,649,195,456,554,158,650,30,560,24,405],"class_list":["post-4889","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-flood-intervention","category-freeze-alarms-heat-alarms","category-pet-care-pet-safety","category-internet-thermostats","tag-automatic-water-shut-off-valves","tag-chimney-cleaning-tools","tag-chimney-sweep","tag-chimney-sweep-rotary-cleaning-system","tag-emergency-cell-phone-charger","tag-emergency-light","tag-floodstop","tag-freeze-alarm","tag-hand-crank-flashlight","tag-heated-garden-hose","tag-home-freeze-alarm","tag-noaa-weather-alert-radio","tag-pitboss-cellular-sump-pump-alarm","tag-programmable-thermostats","tag-spa-drain-wand","tag-sump-pump","tag-sump-pump-alarm","tag-water-alarm","tag-weather-alert-radio","clearfix"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4889","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4889"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4889\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6679,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4889\/revisions\/6679"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4899"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4889"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4889"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4889"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}