Preparing Your Home for Winter

Winter is almost here, and with this season comes harsh weather conditions. Snow and ice can pose serious threats to your home if routine maintenance has not been conducted. It’s important to take the time to clean, secure, and prep your home for anything the season may bring.
To help you with this, we’ve put together a guide on the most important considerations to make when preparing your home for winter.
Seal Off Windows and Doors
When temperatures drop low, it’s important to have properly sealed windows and doors. Old windows and doors that allow cold air to pass through can lower the temperature of your home, causing you to have chills and your heating bills to soar. To prevent your heating systems from having to work in overdrive, place draft blockers under doors and properly seal your windows off.
Clean Out Your Fireplace and Chimney
Fireplaces are used more frequently during the cold winter months to help heat homes. Yet, they can be dangerous if they have not been properly serviced. With built-up debris in your chimney, it can be easier for fires to catch which can cause severe damage to your home. It’s best to have a professional sweep your chimney to make sure it is functioning properly.
Have Your Furnace Serviced
While you’re having your home serviced, this is a good time to have your furnace cleaned. Regular furnace cleanings help ensure that your system is running smoothly and efficiently. It can also be useful for improving the air quality in your home. Furnaces are susceptible to build-ups of dust, debris, and mold – all of which can harm your immune system.
Create Proper Air Flow
To help increase the efficiency of your heating systems, reverse the ceiling fans in your rooms. This forces the hot air to flow downwards, helping to keep the room warm.
Inspect Your Pipes
Any issues with your pipes being exposed or cracked can cause them to freeze and burst. This can be a costly repair to have to make, so it’s important to inspect them now to ensure they are working properly.
Protect Your Plants
Be sure to cover your plants and shrubs to protect them from the frost. Some plants may also need to be brought indoors for the season. It’s also important to trim any trees that have loose or low hanging branches. This will prevent them from falling onto your home during any potentially severe winter storms.
Check Your Roof and Gutters
Regularly checking your roof and gutters is especially necessary in the winter as snow and rain accumulate, melt, and refreeze. This additional weight can be strenuous on your roof and gutters causing water damage to your home. Taking the extra time now to clean your gutters out and repair any holes in your roof can save you thousands of dollars in damage down the road.
Set Aside an Emergency Fund
With cash already tight around the holiday season, unexpected expenses can be difficult to face. To prepare for any issues that could arise in your home during the winter months, prepare an emergency fund. If setting cash aside isn’t feasible at the moment, look into other options that will be accessible if the time comes such as a loan against your home’s equity or a personal loan. Using one of these loans can help you pay for the unexpected.
Don’t let the maintenance on your home fall by the wayside. While it’s important for your home to perform these steps routinely, taking the time to do a full check now will best prepare your home for winter.
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