As the leaves begin to
change colors and the air becomes brisker, it reminds us that winter is on the
near horizon. In addition to bringing out the winter clothes and making sure
the heat is working, it’s worthwhile to keep in mind these 10 home
hacks below, which will help prepare your house for winter so you can fully
enjoy the coldest months of the year:
1. De-Icing Roof Cables
Frozen ice forming on
shingles or gutters can result in costly damage. To prevent this, it’s
recommended to use a de-icing roof cable or heat tape, which you can
turn on before a storm hits and be assured that the cable will prevent ice from
forming under the edge of shingles or along the gutter.
2. Sealing Air Leaks
To get the most out of
your heating system, ensure that your windows are sealed and not letting warm
air escape in exchange for cold air. Test for air leaks by placing candles
around locations in your house on a windy day with the windows shut; if the
flame moves, there is an air leak nearby. If this is the case, make sure to
caulk and seal all air leaks, primarily by caulking and weatherstripping doors
and windows. Don’t have time to caulk, just place bubble wrap between the
window and the screen to keep out that cold draft.
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3. Tin Foil: Fireplace Cleaner
An unlikely fireplace
cleaner is tin foil, which can be used by placing a double layer of it across
the bottom of a fireplace or wood grate before lighting a fire. When the fire
is finished the next day, simply fold the tin foil – which will contain ashes –
up and throw it away. Just be sure the fire is completely out when cleaning up.
4. Stove Pot Humidifier
Using a stove pot
humidifier is a nice and cost-effective way to keep your house warmer for
longer. Plus, using lemon juice or cinnamon sticks with the humidifier will
give your home a fresh and clean-smell.
5. Warm
Water Bottles
Since as early as the
16th century, containers with warm water have been used to provide warmth while
in bed. The electric blanket is essentially a contemporary version of what hot
water containers did in the past. You can use several warm water bottles and
lay them on a bed several minutes before climbing in to ensure it’s nice and
toasty.
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6. Pebble
Boot Tray
If you’re tired of the
wet snow remnants from boots and shoes when people enter the house, consider
using a pebble boot tray; when wet shoes or boots sit on these, the snow and
ice will drain through the rocks to the bottom of the tray so the footwear will
dry quicker and more efficiently. Plus, most of the moisture tends to evaporate
under the rocks so only occasional cleaning is necessary. This works for all
types of residences, from small apartments to large multi-family homes.
7.
Rubbing Alcohol and Dishwashing Liquid: Salt Alternatives
If you run out of salt
but need to urgently de-freeze your steps or driveway outside, consider using
rubbing alcohol and dishwashing liquid. By mixing together one teaspoon
of dishwashing liquid, one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, and half a
gallon of hot water, you’ll create a concoction that you can pour over
sidewalks and driveways to melt ice. Plus, it’s better for a sidewalk or
driveway than salt, which can eat away at concrete.
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8.
Desiccant Air Dryers
If you have a basement
that has a tendency to get wet, consider purchasing a regenerative desiccant
compressed air dryer, which uses pressure swing adsorption to efficiently dry
wet rooms or areas. They come in various sizes to fit all types of residences.
Sustained wetness can cause mold growth, so an air dryer is recommended if
there is an issue, especially during breakup season.
9.
Orange Peel as a Fire Starter
One can use orange peels as fire starters due to the oil in the
orange’s skin, which can fuel fires while releasing less creosote than paper.
To use the orange as a fire starter, dry its peels on a sheet pan and toss them
in a paper bag, with a silica packet to maintain freshness. It’s easy to make
and will have your fireplace room smelling
like delicious oranges!
10.
Programmable Thermostat
You can save money and
energy with programmable thermostats, which can adjust to a user-set
temperature program with flexible time-of-day and seasonal adjustments. They
also look sleek in their digital presentation, compared to the old-fashion
drabness of traditional thermostats.
With the ten home
hacks above, your winter should become more stress-free due to less work and
repair issues arising at home. It makes enjoying winter that much easier.
Featured photo credit: Hollin Elizabeth via flickr.com
Source: Lifehack.org
