Kitchen and Bathroom preparation is important! Fall is here and winter is fast approaching, which means temperatures are quickly dropping. Now is the best time to do some home maintenance projects that will keep you and your family warm and comfortable throughout the cold months, and although often overlooked, your kitchen and bathrooms are a good place to start.
Kitchens and bathrooms are generally cooler than other rooms in the home and can feel unbearable to spend time in on especially cold days. Cold temperatures in these rooms can also create issues for your plumbing, appliances, or furniture, which could lead to costly repairs.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to ensure your kitchen and bathrooms are prepared for the season and you won’t freeze trying to spend time in there.
Why you Should Cold-Proof your Kitchen and Bathrooms:
Nobody wants to be cold and uncomfortable in their own home, especially in rooms where bundling up with a blanket isn’t an option.
Making simple improvements in your kitchen and bathroom will help them feel more comfortable to you and your family. Making these improvements will also ensure that your home is better protected from damage. Cold weather could cause pipes to freeze, leaving you without water, or burst, causing costly water damage in your home. Cold, dry air can also cause damage to items such as wood, furniture, paint, electronics, and musical instruments.
Kitchen and Bathroom Preparation Tips for Cold Weather:
Check your heating system: You’ll want to make sure your heat is working effectively, not only in your kitchen and bathroom but your entire house. A professional should inspect your system to ensure it’s working correctly at least annually, and fall is a perfect time. You should also check ducts for mold and debris and change your air filters regularly.
Lay rugs: Kitchen and bathrooms typically have tile or linoleum flooring, which is colder than wood, carpets, or other surfaces. Try laying down area rugs in your kitchen and bathrooms to help you feel warmer and prevent you from cranking the heat and wasting energy.
Reverse your ceiling fans: Many people do not realize that ceiling fans should be reversed and used in the winter to reduce heating costs. Running the fan at low speed in a clockwise direction will move the air billowing near the ceiling down into the rest of the room. Most fans have a reverse switch right on the fan.
Insulate pipes: You want to make sure your pipes are properly insulated so they do not freeze in the cold weather. Keep your heat up and make sure your walls are well insulated so your pipes aren’t in a cold environment. You can also install additional insulation around the pipes for added protection. On especially cold nights, you can keep your pipes at a slow drip to prevent freezing.
Check doors and windows: To keep your kitchen and bathroom warm, check all doors and windows to make sure they are well-sealed and aren’t letting in cold drafts. Repair any cracks and switch out any screens with storm windows. If your windows are drafty, you can install energy-efficient windows, which will help keep your heat from escaping through the glass. You can also hang thick curtains or blinds for extra insulation.
Check the water heater: Performing water heater maintenance will ensure that you have hot water all winter long. If your water heater cannot handle the demand of the cold weather, you could be without the hot water you need to cook, clean, or bathe. Check all pipes and valves for leaks and inspect the tank for any rust or corrosion. You should also flush out the tank to get rid of any sediment and get it working more effectively. If your water doesn’t feel warm enough for your winter needs, you can adjust the temperature by a few degrees.
Use a humidifier: If the air feels dry in your living space, you can use a humidifier. Dry air can cause dry skin, and allergy symptoms, and make you more likely to catch viruses like the cold or flu. It can also cause damage to items like wood, paint, and electronics. Humidified air also feels warmer than dry air, so you would not have to turn your heat up as high. The ideal humidity level in a room is about 40 to 50 percent, which can be measured with a hygrometer.
Clean your chimney: If you use a chimney, you should have it inspected annually to ensure it is clean, clear of blockage, and safe to use.
Making changes for kitchen and bathroom preparation throughout your entire home can help ensure that your home is safe and protected for the winter and that you, your family, and your guests are warm and comfortable. If you need help with any of these tasks or need additional service for your kitchen or bathroom.
Call 3 Mountains Home Services today for more tips on kitchen and bathroom preparation!
