IN THIS POST
- Keep Your Home Save from Drafts
- Inspect the Heating System
- Move Your Houseplants
- Clean Your Blankets and Carpets
- Remove Rodents and Other Pests
The scorching summer in Pakistan followed by a disastrous monsoon season is finally coming to an end. The temperatures are expected to drop in the coming weeks, with the weather getting cooler with each passing day. The meteorological department has already predicted the coming winter season to be fairly severe – all thanks to climate change. You can also expect smog and poor air quality in some parts of Pakistan during these months, which can be hazardous for young and adults alike.
Nonetheless, winters also provide a reprieve from the oppressive sun and unbearable heat waves that gripped the nation throughout the year. Moreover, it presents a perfect opportunity for people to travel to northern areas of Pakistan, where they can partake in an array of winter sports or simply enjoy the mesmerising views of snow falling atop majestic mountains.
However, before you start planning a trip, you should consider preparing your home for winter. It will not only give you some peace of mind but planning ahead will also ensure your family remains safe and healthy as the cold weather begins to set in.
How To Prepare Your Home for Winter
Whether you live in an apartment or a house, these tips on how to prepare for winter will hopefully come in handy as the mercury begins to fall.
Block Drafts from Entering Your Home
The first item on your winter preparation checklist should be to seal all the doors and windows to keep cold drafts from entering your home. You should start by checking the surface and the frame for any holes or cracks before looking for gauze breakage. Doing so will not only keep your space warm but also protect it from hazardous winter smog.
While you can fill the smaller gaps with a caulking gun, which is readily available at hardware stores, the larger holes and cracks may require you to seal them with cement. For this purpose, take a small quantity of white cement and mix it with equal parts water. Next, carefully apply the paste to cover up any openings that may allow cool air to enter your home. This step will not only keep the glass and wire gauze frame in place but also ensure the window or door does not lose its overall shape.
For more information, don’t forget to check out our tips on how to insulate your windows for winter weather.
Inspect and Repair Your Heating System
If you live in a region where winters can be extremely harsh, you likely already have a heater in your home. While electric heaters require minimal upkeep, gas heaters need to be checked and repaired by professionals before being turned on. However, that being said, whether you have an electric or gas heating appliance, please make sure to thoroughly check them for any signs of damage before using them.
Running a safety pre-check on your heater is one of the top tips for cold-weather home preparation. Next, check for the electric or gas supply to ensure everything is working perfectly. You should also keep your children and pets away from these appliances. In addition, avoid running the heater when there is no one in the home and keep an eye on the gas pressure to prevent any unfortunate incidents. It is also important to crack open a window or the door to ensure complete safety while using a heating appliance.
For more heater safety tips, please refer to our comprehensive guide on the topic. On the other hand, if you don’t have a heater, here are some tried-and-tested methods to keep your home warm during winter.
Move Your Houseplants to a Better Location
Most houseplants come from tropical regions, which allows them to grow in relatively shaded areas and thrive under indirect sunlight. These plants also prefer warm and humid temperatures that are widely prevalent in Pakistan. However, as the days get colder and the air becomes dry, you will notice the leaves of your favourite potted green losing their colour and wilting.
To prevent your houseplants from suffering, you should consider moving them to a location that receives more sunlight. Moreover, please clean the dust and debris accumulated on the leaves to ensure easy absorption of light. You can also think about investing in a humidifier to keep your home from becoming too dry during the colder months. In addition, refrain from watering the plants too often in winter.
Similarly, trimming the trees in your backyard or garden is also among the top tips for winterizing your home. It should be standard practice as leaves and branches can easily fall during autumn and winter, which can undoubtedly affect the curb appeal of your home. Carefully trimming and pruning the houseplants and trees ahead of winter will help in regrowth during spring.
Also, don’t forget to browse through our list of the best air-purifying indoor plants for Pakistani homes.
Dry Clean Your Blankets and Lay Out the Carpets
One of the most important things to do to get the house ready for winter is to wash and dry the blankets when the sun is still shining brightly in the sky and the winds are considerably warm. It is no secret that thick fabrics take a lot longer to dry, which means getting your blankets out of the store room once the winter starts to set in won’t leave you with enough time to place them in the sun. Even if you choose to get your seasonal linens and duvets dry-cleaned, it is recommended to do so before the weather starts to change.
On a side note, feel free to take a look at our tips on buying blankets to learn all about picking the right size, fabric, and colour.
Furthermore, if you have tiles or marble flooring in your home, you may want to cover it up with rugs or carpets. It will keep your home warm during the chilly season while adding a little depth and texture to your overall décor. Here are some tips on how to keep your carpet looking and smelling fresh that you may find helpful.
Remove Rodents and Other Pests
When preparing your home for winter, make sure to seal any cracks or crevices in and outside your home that may allow rats, lizards, cockroaches, and other pests to enter your home.
During spring and fall, the weather is generally nice enough for the rodents and other creepy crawlies to remain outdoors. However, as the temperature drops and the winds get a little colder, they try to enter houses and apartments to seek shelter from the harsh weather conditions. These pests are not only annoying but also pose a health risk, as they can spread diseases and bring fleas into your home, which can be bad for those struggling with allergies.
Therefore, while preparing for winter, consider replacing loose weather stripping around the sliding doors and windows to prevent any unwanted insects and rats in your space. Next, try to keep your garage, storeroom, laundry area, and other outdoor areas as clutter-free as possible. Moreover, try and store cardboard boxes off of the floor to keep mice and ants from making them their nests.
Leaking pipes and clogged drains can also lead to cockroach infestation, while accumulation of dust and dirt inside your home can attract spiders. Therefore, keep your house clean, dry, and well-ventilated to avoid such problems in the winter season.
This brings us to the end of our guide on how to prepare your home for winter. If you are looking for more tips, our home maintenance checklist for winter can help you out. You can also share your ideas for preparing your home for winter with us by dropping an email at blog@zameen.com.
Stay connected to Zameen Blog – the best lifestyle and property blog in Pakistan – for more guides on home care and improvement. Last but not least, you can also visit our Facebook page and hit the ‘like’ button to stay up-to-date about the latest real estate trends in the country.
