Winter is approaching, and that means it’s time to start preparing your home for the upcoming cold. There are only a few things worse than dealing with a broken furnace or drafty window in the middle of a cold snap. Continue reading to learn of six ways you can prepare your home for winter.
Inspect Your Roof
Take a look at your roof. Are there any missing or loose shingles? If your roof does need some TLC, contact a roofing company to take care of it before the coldest part of winter. You’ll be glad you did!
Clear Your Gutters
While you’re inspecting your roof, take the opportunity to clear out your gutters. The fall is the perfect time for leaves to collect in your eaves. Which can result in water not being able to flow properly. When winter rains or melting snow come along, clogged gutters can result in leaks inside the home, so take some time to clear the eaves to allow water to flow freely! While you’re at it, make sure your drain spouts are at least five feet away from your house. This will ensure that water drains away from your home rather than towards the foundation.
Check Your Landscaping
Do you have tall trees or overgrown bushes? If so, take this opportunity to ensure they’re trimmed back from your house and any electrical wires. This measure will help decrease your risk of property damage or power failures throughout the winter.
Turn Off Your Sprinkler System
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at just how many people forget to turn off and drain their outdoor faucets. Undrained water can freeze, which can lead to burst pipes never a pleasure to have to repair! Get ahead of the curve and ensure all of your outdoor faucets are turned off and drained.
Have Your Furnace Serviced by a Professional
Every autumn, perform a routine maintenance check to make sure your furnace is operating well. Additionally, if your thermostat is more than ten years old, think about upgrading to a programmable model to save money on heating expenses. It’s much better to get your furnace checked in the fall than to have to replace a furnace in the dead of winter, so prepare ahead!
Inspect Your Doors and Windows
Having a fully-functioning furnace won’t help if you’re constantly losing heat due to drafty doors and windows. Make sure you have securely sealed your windows and doors to avoid heat loss. Any worn weatherstripping on window and door frames should be replaced. To keep the heat in and the cold out, check for drafts and caulk as necessary both inside and outside.
Following these measures will ensure that you have a comfortable, warm, and worry-free winter! For more information about how to care for your home, plus great real estate advice, check out Denise Ramey Real Estate at Long & Foster Real Estate. Whether you’re buying, selling, or staying, my team is dedicated to helping you feel prepared for and confident in your next steps. Get in touch today to learn more about our services!
