Chicago is known for its’ brutal winters. The frigid air, combined with heat loss in a home can send you hiding under your blanket. However, there are ways that you can prepare your home to avoid the air leaks and create a warm comfortable oasis during the winter months.
The first step is determining where the air leaks are. Sometimes, you can feel these when walking around your home. Similarly, you can always call in a home inspector to help you identify potential problem areas. An experienced and knowledgeable home inspector can help you look for structural or mechanical concerns, identify potential safety hazards, and learn about basic system maintenance that can help keep your home in good working order, all year round.
Weatherizing your windows is one of the best ways to stop air leaks in your home. If you can’t afford to update your windows, utilize weather stripping or window film to block the cold air from getting in and keep the warm air from getting out.
Check out your floorboards and fill in any gaps with wood putty. You can also speak with a professional about adding insulation.
Seal your fireplace. Lots of older Chicago homes have unused fireplaces. If these aren’t sealed property, these can be a huge source of heat loss in the winter. To minimize everyday heat loss through your fireplace, be sure to close your damper and plug the chimney flue when not in use
One of the easiest fixes to avoid heat loss is to put rugs down on the floor. The material will help prevent drafts from coming up through the floor.
Whether you’re buying a property, selling a property, or need a professional’s perspective for how to maintain and protect your property, Keeshin Inspection is here to help.
