Winter is right around the corner. Here are seven tips to make sure your home is ready for the cold.
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Winter is coming and now is the time to prepare your home for the colder months. I have seven winter preparation tips to share with you that will you save you time, money, and hassle: 1. Tune up your heating system. For about $100, a technician will inspect your furnace or heat pump to ensure it’s clean and able to achieve its intended efficiency. Change your filters every month since your heating will be running constantly throughout the winter. 2. Protect your pipes. Pipes near outer walls can be susceptible to freezing in extreme temperatures. Be sure to add extra insulation to exposed pipes in your attic, basement, or crawl spaces. 3. Windows. If you don’t have double-paned windows, remove the screens and install storm windows to ensure that the heat stays in and the cold stays out! Caulk anywhere you feel cold air seeping into your house. 4. Fireplace. Burning firewood is another way to save energy costs. When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox or open the nearest window about one inch and close doors leading into the room. That will prevent the fire from drawing warm air out of the rest of the house and replacing it with cold air.
Pipes near outer walls can be susceptible to freezing in extreme temperatures.
5. Reverse your ceiling fans. If your fans have a reverse switch, turn it clockwise to create an updraft that will push warmer air down from the ceiling. This is especially helpful for those with high ceilings, and it may even allow you to turn the thermostat down a degree or two. It also gives you a chance to dust those ceiling fans!
6. Check your gutters. If they are full of leaves, water will back up against the house and damage roofing, siding, and gutters, causing leaks and ice dams all over the house. Also, make sure water isn’t draining from the gutters directly next to your foundation. Add extensions to your downspouts to divert water four feet or more away from the foundation. This is an inexpensive and easy fix that could prevent water entry in your basement.
7. Last but not least, be ready for an emergency! Blackouts and snow-ins can occur during the winter months, so take a moment to prepare yourself and your family for such emergencies. Having the following items ready will help you make it through safely:
• Flashlight
• Bottled water
• Nonperishable food items
• Blankets
• Battery backup for your computer and other important electronic equipment
• First-aid kit
• If you have an emergency generator, make sure you have gasoline stored and available to fuel it!
At Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, we have a team of qualified, experienced listing partners and buyer specialists who are ready to work with you to make every real estate process a positive experience. If you or someone you know is ready to buy or sell a home, give us a call today at 717-695-3177, email info@joydaniels.com, or visit us online at joydaniels.com. We hope to hear from you soon.
6. Check your gutters. If they are full of leaves, water will back up against the house and damage roofing, siding, and gutters, causing leaks and ice dams all over the house. Also, make sure water isn’t draining from the gutters directly next to your foundation. Add extensions to your downspouts to divert water four feet or more away from the foundation. This is an inexpensive and easy fix that could prevent water entry in your basement.
7. Last but not least, be ready for an emergency! Blackouts and snow-ins can occur during the winter months, so take a moment to prepare yourself and your family for such emergencies. Having the following items ready will help you make it through safely:
• Flashlight
• Bottled water
• Nonperishable food items
• Blankets
• Battery backup for your computer and other important electronic equipment
• First-aid kit
• If you have an emergency generator, make sure you have gasoline stored and available to fuel it!
At Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, we have a team of qualified, experienced listing partners and buyer specialists who are ready to work with you to make every real estate process a positive experience. If you or someone you know is ready to buy or sell a home, give us a call today at 717-695-3177, email info@joydaniels.com, or visit us online at joydaniels.com. We hope to hear from you soon.
