Although the weather is still enjoyable, the snowfall we experienced last weekend should have served as a sign that winter is approaching! Winters in Iowa are interesting because they seem hard to predict. We experience anything from mild 30s down to the frigid -40s anywhere from November-February. If you are a homeowner, it’s important that you make sure your home is prepared for a potentially brutal winter. ServiceMaster By Rice would like to offer these winter home tips for saving energy and staying safe.
Insulation
Having your house properly insulated will save you boatloads of money in heating costs. According to Home Advisor, homeowners spent an average of $1,358 on blown-in insulation costs after labor. This may seem like a steep price upfront, but you will save hundreds of dollars each year on heating costs and will pay itself back within years. On top of that, most cellulose is fireproof and can be blown into all sorts of nooks and crannies.
Frozen Pipes
Having frozen pipes is potentially one of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner in the winter. As pipes thaw out, there is a high risk that they will burst and flood the entire house. If you haven’t yet, check your pipes for leaks and have them fixed or replaced before the cold snaps start coming in. It’s also important to know where you can turn your water off in the event that your pipes do burst. Of all things to consider for winter home preparation, having solid pipes is debatably the most important one. It can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in cleanup and restoration.
Fire Safety
Although it will be cold out in the winter, fires are still a serious concern. In fact, the State of Iowa Fire Marshal reports that more house fires occur in the winter due to the use of space heaters, outdated radiators, wood stoves, and fireplaces. If you use any of the appliances or devices to heat your home, use extra precaution. For example, if you are using a space heater or mobile radiator, make sure there is only one heat-producing appliance per outlet. Anything more can cause a short circuit which can spark a fire. If you used wood-based systems like a fireplace or woodstove, there needs to be a place where you can store the ashes at once they have cooled off. Allowing them to pile up is a dangerous method and can lead to a house fire.
ServiceMaster By Rice Services
At ServiceMaster By Rice, we offer a variety of services to keep your house clean and tidy for the winter, when it’s best to stay inside! If your house is in need of a deep carpet cleaning service, we’ve got you covered. We hope that your house never has to deal with fires or flooding in the winter. The best way to stay safe is to think safe. However, if you need fire restoration, water cleanup, and removal, or home other repair services; contact ServiceMaster By Rice. We serve Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Ankeny, Altoona, Okoboji, Storm Lake, Iowa City, multiple other cities, and are available 24/7!
