Community News

With the days getting shorter and thermometers dipping lower, the impending cold season has made its presence felt.  We quickly prepare our personal selves for the temperature drop with hats, gloves, and jackets, but our homes need the same level of TLC for the upcoming winter months.

MSN Real Estate compiled a concise list of the top 10 ways to winterize your home which lead to both cost savings and peace of mind.  A summary includes the following items with cleaning the gutters at the top of the list.  Rain and snow that don’t have a proper outlet from gutters can lead to flooding and water damage within a home. 

Check for and block leaks where cold exterior air can sneak in, especially around windows, doors, and outlets.  Use door sweeps and caulk to help seal up these areas. 

Inspecting to see if you need another layer of insulation in the attic space is a simple process.  Though it does cost a bit upfront, the long-term savings add up. 

Your furnace being in working order is most certainly the key to a cozy winter.  It is recommended to have it serviced on an annual basis and filters should be changed every three months.

The well-being of heating ducts is important so that the heat you are paying for is actually enjoyed.  Ducts need to be connected and insulated as they travel through the house.  They should also be vacuumed on occasion to clean out debris that settles in them.

It is time to replace window screens with storm windows when possible.  If cost prohibitive, consider using window insulator kits to add another effective and fairly inexpensive layer of protection.

If you didn’t think ahead in the spring, it is high time to have your chimney inspected and/or cleaned to ensure safe usage.  The build-up, as well as random foreign objects, can cause problems if not properly handled prior to the first roaring fire.

The simple step of reversing the direction of any ceiling fans in your home will push that coveted warm air back into your living space.  The blades will need to turn clockwise this time of year.

Uninsulated pipes can cause extreme damage.  The use of foam sleeves, insulation, or heat tape can ward off frozen pipes.

Finally, check smoke detectors (via real smoke versus pushing the button), fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are still functioning properly. 

Unoccupied properties are a separate category and could suffer extensive and pricey damage if not properly winterized.  When the temperature plummets, pipes can burst and lead to very costly repairs.  Having a properly trained plumbing professional come to drain the water lines and hot water tank along with adding antifreeze to drains and toilets can alleviate problems down the road that result from freezing.

These steps may seem time-consuming and monotonous on an annual basis, but they will pay off in the long run.  Then you can enjoy the rest of the autumn days full of football and harvest and changing foliage, knowing you are well prepared for Old Man Winter.