In Alaska, winter may threaten to infiltrate your living space in a variety of ways. This year, you can maintain a warm, cozy home no matter how frigid it is outside with a little preparation. The heating oil team at Alaska Petroleum in North Pole, AK, has rounded up their best tips for keeping winter’s chill out of your house—so you and your family can stay comfortable and avoid exorbitant energy bills.

Top 5 Winter Prep Tips From Your Local Heating Oil Company

1. Check Windows & Doors

Check every door and window frame in your home for air leaks and signs of rot. Also, apply caulking and weatherstripping as needed to prevent unnecessary heat loss. Before winter hits, replace your window and door screens with storm-resistant versions.

2. Inspect the Roof & Gutter System

Clean your gutters thoroughly so rainwater doesn’t overflow and leak into your roof. Look for signs of roof damage as well, such as missing or broken shingles. Get your roof professionally inspected and repaired before winter to avoid leaks around flashing and other moisture damage-related problems.

3. Schedule Furnace Maintenance & Purchase Heating Oil

It’s crucial to schedule furnace maintenance every fall to prepare your heating system for winter. Annual maintenance includes thorough checks of all system parts, as well as cleaning and repairs. This is one of the best ways to prolong the life of your furnace because it will not have to work as hard to heat your home. You should also purchase heating oil from your North Pole fuel delivery company and consider devising a regular delivery schedule.

4. Replace Insulation

Replace the insulation in your attic or crawlspace if it has started to deteriorate. Insulation is essential to preventing ice dams, or large, heavy sheets of ice that melt and refreeze on roof edges. If left unaddressed, ice dams can easily lead to leaks and water damage.

5. Check the Foundation

Remove leaves, vegetation, and other debris from your home’s foundation to make it less appealing to woodland critters. Seal every hole and crack you find, as mice are capable of slipping through the tiniest of spaces. Make sure the soil around your foundation slopes down to prevent freezing rain from pooling and seeping into your basement.

Discuss these and other helpful tips with the friendly experts at Alaska Petroleum, and rely on the company for all your heating oil needs. As one of the leading oil companies in northern Alaska, you can always count on them for competitive prices and top-notch service. Call (907) 488-2575 or visit the website for more information about fuel delivery options.