As the end of the year approaches, this month we have some great tips and tricks when preparing your home for the icy cold of the winter months.
Inspect Your Roof
Do a visual check of your roof to check for damaged or missing shingles that may need to be repaired or replaced.
Clear Your Gutters
Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear of any leaves or debris to ensure they empty properly and don’t cause ice damming.
If you have time, consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris from building up in your gutters in the first place.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Check your windows and doors for any gaps or breaks in insulation, and use caulk or weather stripping to seal them.
At the same time, check your attic and basement for any openings for cold air. You might even consider upgrading your insulation in those spaces to keep your home nice and toasty on the colder nights.
Home Heating
Do a test of your home heating system to ensure you won’t be left in the cold. If required, change any furnace air filters. If you have radiators, bleed them (releasing air trapped inside) to ensure efficient heating.
If you have a fireplace, inspect and clean out your chimney to prevent possible fires.
Install Programmable Thermostats
If you’re willing to invest upfront, upgrading to a programmable thermostat is a smart choice for the winter months. These devices allow you to schedule your heating to turn on when you’re home, and reduce or turn off when you’re away. This can significantly cut down on your energy bills. While the initial cost may seem high, the energy savings over time often cover the expense, making it a worthwhile investment.
Winter Plumbing Tasks
Check your sinks, faucets, and toilets for leaks. A leaky faucet is often easily fixed by replacing seals or washers. Consider insulating any exposed pipes to keep them from freezing.
For exterior faucets not in use, turn off the water supply to them and drain them completely. Disconnect and drain any attached hoses to ensure they do not freeze.
Fire Safety Checkup
While fire safety is a year-round concern, take the time to check on your smoke / CO detectors to ensure they are working correctly and have fresh batteries. Also, take stock of the location of your fire extinguishers (one on every floor is ideal, plus the kitchen) and remind yourself how they work – a much easier task when you are not presently dealing with a fire!
Exterior Maintenance
Plan to mow your lawn two or three times leading up to the first frost of the season. Cover and tie up any outdoor plants that could be damaged by colder conditions.
Prepare your outdoor furniture: some furniture might have fabric cushions to be removed and stored, while other pieces may need to be tied down or completely stored indoors.
Some Walkway / Driveway Tips
Make sure your shovels and other winter tools are sturdy, if you have a driveway to clear. Shovel frequently, when necessary, as melting snow and standing water can create problems later.
If icy walkways are a problem for you, pick up some driveway deicing products before the rush. Salt is effective but is corrosive and can cause damage to fragile asphalt. Sand will create friction for walking, and do less harm to your walkways and driveway, but does not melt snow.
Create Your Own Preparedness Kit
Set aside a plastic container or box with essentials in the case of storms or outages: candles, flashlights, food and water, a USB battery charger, battery operated radio (and batteries), etc.
Professional Assistance
As much as these tips should largely be manageable on your own, if you’re unsure on how best to tackle any winterizing project, it might be worth calling an expert to ensure it’s done correctly.
Whether rain or snow, the Vetere Team is ready to go!
The Vetere Team hopes you manage to stay warm and safe this winter. We are here any time to take care of your real estate needs, so don’t hesitate to contact us!
