Tips for Winterizing Your Home

While we are not even halfway through fall yet, stores are already stocking up on holiday essentials. And, before we know it, we’ll be welcoming the winter season! While it’s important to decorate your home for the holidays, it’s much more important to prepare your home for the cold winter months ahead. Here are 10 tips for winterizing your home this season.

1. Check the gutters

Prevent ice dams by cleaning out your gutters, installing gutter guards, and making sure the attic floor is properly insulated.

2. Protect the pipes

Protect against frozen pipes by insulating those that could be susceptible to freezing. With severe temperature drops, keep a stream of water running in a few faucets to guard against pipes freezing and potentially bursting.

3. Seal the cracks

Tighten around holes and openings to help prevent cold air from seeping into your home. This includes installing seals around openings such as windows, doors, air conditioners, and mail chutes.

4. Stop the slips

Keep driveways and sidewalks clear of ice and snow and repair any issues with steps and handrails. And even before the severe weather arrives, inspect your drive for any cracks and consider repaving if needed.

5. Install an emergency release

Installing an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system will protect against increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can prevent them from bursting.

6. Keep it cozy

Set your thermostat for at least 68 degrees and make sure your home is well-insulated. Most important in the winter months is to keep the thermostat low, but on when you travel. Turning it off often leads to pipes freezing.

7. Have heating checked

Make sure you have your heating systems like furnaces, boilers and chimneys serviced to ensure they are free of any buildup and run efficiently.

8. Test your detectors

It is important to note that residential fires are more common in winter, so it is important you check your smoke detector batteries each month to be best prepared for fire safety in the home. Fire departments often recommend changing all smoke detector batteries when you set your clocks back in the fall.

9. Clear the yard

Ice, snow, and wind can weaken trees and cause branches to fall and potentially damage your home, car, or even yourself. So, keep the trees trimmed and remove dead branches and debris from your yard.

10. House the hose

Remove all attached garden hoses, drain them, and store them away. Shut off the valves and insulate the faucet.

Now, enjoy your winter season knowing you’re well prepared for the winter! Contact me with any remaining questions you may have.