After a long, hot summer, autumn has finally arrived, and winter is just around the corner! 

Many homeowners wait until the cold weather hits to start preparing their homes for the season, but if you take some time now to winterize your home, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that you’re avoiding any nasty surprises down the line.

 

Inside The House

  • Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace old batteries if needed.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature in your home when no one is there, saving energy and money on heating bills.
  • Change the direction of ceiling fan blades to rotate clockwise, which will push warm air down from the ceiling throughout the room. 
  • Have your furnace inspected and cleaned by a professional to make sure it’s running efficiently before the cold weather sets in.
  • Replace furnace filters every 1-3 months as dirty filters can restrict airflow and cause the system to work harder than necessary.
  • If it’s been a while. have your water heater inspected by a professional as well. Your family probably doesn’t want to put “cold showers” on their Christmas wishlist. 
  • Wrap the water heater and pipes with insulation to keep them from freezing.
  • Insulate attics, crawl spaces, and basements to improve overall energy efficiency and decrease the potential for moisture buildup and mold growth.
  • Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional to ensure it is safe for use.

 

Doors & Windows

  • Install storm windows or cover existing windows with plastic to improve insulation, decrease drafts, and lower energy bills.
  • Install door sweeps on the bottoms of exterior doors to prevent cold air from sneaking into your home. It’s surprisingly easy to do!
  • Ensure that all doors have weather stripping around them to prevent drafts and heat loss in your home. 

 

Outside The House

  • Drain outdoor pipes and faucets before freezing temperatures set in to prevent them from bursting.
  • Check and clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure they are free of debris and securely attached to the house.
  • Trim trees and shrubs away from your house to prevent damage to the exterior during windy winter storms.
  • Inspect your roof for any loose or missing shingles and have them repaired as soon as possible.
  • Caulk holes or cracks in the exterior of your home, especially around windows and doors, to prevent heat loss and potential damage from moisture buildup.
  • Bring outdoor furniture inside or cover it with a waterproof tarp to prevent damage from snow and ice.

 

Taking the time now to winterize your home can save you from headaches and expensive repairs in the future. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start preparing for the cold weather today!

If you aren’t sure whether one of these tips is worth it, talk to your neighbors or ask your real estate agent what they do and what’s typical for the area, so you don’t miss anything critical.

And if you need any referrals for amazing contractors, give us a shout – we’ve got a whole list of companies that our past clients have loved.