Winter is Coming!

Tips to prepare your house for the winter. By Jan Leaf, Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty.

Autumn is one of my favorite times of year, everyone feels happy and invigorated during the fall season.

As much as I would love to spend every afternoon basking in the last of the year’s sunny warmth, getting in one more golf game, I have plenty to do to get the house ready for the cold winter season.

1. Clean Rain Gutters

Having clean gutters not only makes your home look nicer, but it can also help prevent the build-up of ice on your roof. The faster that water can drain away, the less likely it is to melt and then refreeze on your roof or under your shingles. Clean gutters reduces the risk of infestation and decreases the risk of mold in your home.

2. Trim Trees

Look around your yard and examine your trees closely. Eliminate any limbs that could possibly knock out power to your home. Take time now to trim any weak branches that look as if they could cause problems during winter storms.

3. Check Your Snow Blower and Stock Up

Fill it up with gas, and start it up to make sure it works. Also make sure that your shovel is still in good condition; if not, pick up another one, along with salt or sand for your driveway.

4. Check for Leaks

Now that the nights have cooled down, you may find drafts coming into your home. Find those leaks and seal them up before winter. Check around your doors, windows, lights, and switch plates for cold air. It all adds up: shave as much as 20% off your heating and cooling costs.

5. Check Your Furnace Filter

Check the filter – it may need to be replaced. If your furnace filter looks dirty, then definitely replace it. During the winter months, I change my furnace filter every four to six weeks. Clean filters help your furnace run more efficiently. You can save 5% to 15% on your heating bill.

6. Insulate Pipes and Hot Water Heater

Have you insulated your water pipes and hot water heater? This can help trim your water heating costs this winter, especially if your water pipes run through a chilly or unheated basement. Insulating your hot water pipes can help raise the temperature two to four degrees and trim four percent to nine percent off your water heating costs.

7. Add Insulation

The DOE states that adding insulation is one of the best ways to save energy all year round. Adding insulation to your attic is quite simple. Use the DOE’s Insulation Fact Sheet; it tells you how much insulation you need (the R-value) based on your zip code. Most homes require 12 to 15 inches of insulation in their attic.

8. Get Your Chimney Cleaned

Before you build a cozy fire on the first chilly night, you need to have your chimney cleaned by a professional. In addition to increasing the heating efficiency of your fireplace, an annual cleaning also helps to ensure your family’s safety during the winter months. Chimney fires, a build-up of deposits, and animals nesting in your chimney make it unsafe to use.

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