Are You Ready for Winter? 4 Steps to Help Get You There
Like it or not, winter is well on its way. While most Californians don’t have to deal with feet of snow, there are still things that we can do to prepare for cooler temperatures. In fact, several of these ideas are great tips no matter the time of year. Read on and then reach out to Dynamic Garage Door for help with garage door maintenance or repair.
- Check out your heating system
- Check your doors for proper insulation
- Get your home ready for an emergency
- Get your car ready for an emergency
The most important thing to do to get ready for winter is to make sure that your heating system works. You don’t want to wait for the first cold snap to find out that your HVAC equipment isn’t up to snuff. Your furnace and any other HVAC equipment should be checked yearly. If you have a chimney, get it cleaned and make sure it’s clear from obstructions. If you choose to use space heaters, remind your family of the rules: Never leave them unattended.
Once you have your heater running, you want to make sure that your windows and doors aren’t losing heat and raising your utility bills. Take some time to look at the weather stripping around your windows and doorframes. If you notice a draft or air leak, decide if it’s something that can be fixed via extra insulation, or if it’s time for replacement. If your garage is attached to your home, then remember that your garage door should also be checked.
This is good news in any climate during any season: Make sure your home has an emergency kit. It should include flashlights, candles, matches, water, and non-perishable food. It’s also a good idea to have a few extra blankets, a first-aid kit, and an emergency radio. Remember that if the power goes out, your phone is only going to work so long as it’s charged. An emergency radio could be the only way you have to know what’s going on in an emergency.
Once again, this is good advice all year long and we recommend that you always have your car ready for an emergency. What you’ll need depends both on where you live and where you travel. At a minimum, you should have a first-aid kit, jumper cables, and flares. These can be used in virtually any emergency you may have on the road.
If you ever drive in areas with snow or ice then we’d also recommend a snow brush, an ice scarper, and a snow shovel. These don’t take up much room in the trunk and can mean the difference between being safe in inclement weather and being in danger. It’s also a good idea to have a few extra blankets as well as water and food.
Fall is a great time to replace your garage door. If you want to get a jump on winter and ensure you have a brand new custom garage door, then all you have to do is reach out to Dynamic Garage Door at 855-343-3667.
