7 Easy Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Easy Ways to Prepare The Home For Winter

Winter already?  It’s that time again to get a home winter ready!  Preparing and organizing the home for winter may seem an unnecessary chore but it’s a must.  From cleaning gutters to servicing the heating system, below are 7 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather to avoid high heating costs and simply protect the property for years to come!

1.) Set Thermostat. We suggest leaving heat on but setting the thermostat to 68 degress when at home.  Set to 55 degrees if away for long periods of time for the season so pipes don’t freeze.  Programmable thermostats can save a couple hundred dollars on heating and cooling bills.

2.) Service Heating System.  One of the main causes of system failure is forgetting to service the heating system in the home.  Keep extra filters on hand

3.) Trim Landscaping. Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed back from windows.  Make sure tree branches from surrounding trees near the home are also cut back to avoid weak branches falling and causing damage to the property.

4.) Clean Gutters.  Hire professionals to remove debris from gutters so water will drain away from the home and not freeze.   Screens that cover gutters should be in place or installed to keep leaves and sticks out.  Repair any cracks or damage.

5.) Seal Windows.  We suggest using caulking compoiunt o seal around the homes exterior to repaior splits, cracks in wood surfaes and leaks around windows and door frames.  Replace any weather stripping around outside doors and the garage!

6.) Chimney. Buy a protective cap for the chimney with a screen.  It keeps out foreign objects as well as rain that can mix with the ash and eat away at the fireplace’s walls. We suggest buying one based on durability, not appearance.

7.) Insulation. Check the attic and be sure the area has at least 12 inches of good insulation which is recommended.

Looking at a giant to-do list!  Just  break it down into two or three jobs you can tackle over the next few weekends.  These simple tips will save frustration and keep energy bills low.