(ThyBlackMan.com) With winter coming on, there are several things to take care of to winterize your home. Depending on the area of the country in which you live, winter weather can be quite harsh. While some states experience ice and snow, others might just get cold and damp. Either way, you need to prepare before the cold weather hits. You might be able to take care of some tasks yourself, such as changing the filter on the furnace, but if you need major repair work it can get really expensive. In that case, the best option would be to apply for car title loans in L.A. With title loans, you can get quick cash in one hour by turning in your car title as security.
Checking Your Furnace
Before the cold weather arrives, find a chance when it’s not too hot to check out your furnace. Turn it on to see that it gets warm and the fan is blowing. If it runs on a pilot, you may need to light it or ask a professional for help. Clean the outer parts and change the filter. You can go around the house to see if it’s blowing through all of the vents. If not, your vents may be clogged somewhere. If your furnace is not working and needs repair, it will be beneficial to hire Furnace Service Contractors before winter comes. Let the repairman know that you’re on a limited budget, and it might make a difference in the type of service he suggests. If your heating unit still seems to have a few good years left on it, then repairing it would be the way to go. If it must be replaced, ask about second-hand units that are still in good shape. So long as it comes with a guarantee, you should be good to go.
Repairing Chimneys
If you heat your home with a wood burning fireplace, you’ll need to hire a chimney sweep to come and clean the inside of the chimney. If the soot and oils from last year’s fires are left inside the chimney, it can catch on fire. Although it’s a messy job and you need the right equipment, it is a job you can do yourself. While taking care of the chimney, order some dry firewood. If you live near a forested area, you can ask permission to cut trees that are dead or that have fallen. By investing in a good quality chainsaw, you can save hundreds of dollars by cutting your own firewood.
Insulation, Windows and Roofing Tiles
Go around the perimeter of your house to see that there are no leaks. Leaks can appear in the insulation, around the windows if they’re not sealed properly or in your roofing tiles. To save money, you can buy the necessary supplies at your local hardware store and make the repairs yourself. For windows it could be simple plastic but you might need professional materials for the roof and insulation.
Staff Writer; Bobby King
Replacing windows really goes a long way! Before my windows were old and rattled when it was windy and the heating bill and A/C was through the roof in both extreme seasons…now it’s like nothing ever happened!
Last year I saved a lot of money on my heating bill by buying a kerosene heater. It allowed me to heat only a portion of the house at a time, so I could keep the temperature relatively low elsewhere. I expect to save even more money this year because kerosene prices have dropped along with gas prices.