10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter

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Northeast Property Restoration
November 8, 2019
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10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter

10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter | The cold winter months are upon us, therefore, home preparation is vital. From a frozen pipe, to high heating costs it is essential to prepare your home to avoid possible disasters and high costs.

Below we provide 10 tips, many affordable, to help prepare your home for winter.

1. Check Your Windows

Check your windows for air leaks. If you notice your curtains moving or feel a cool breeze your windows seal may be failing. To keep drafts out:

Re-seal windows with caulk
Replace older windows
Install curtains, shades, or blinds

2. Check Your Doors

Same and windows doors can also let cold air in. To protect against the cold:

Install foam or felt weatherstripping inside the door frame
Use a door sweep or sand bag at the bottom of the door
Install a screen door for more protection

3. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

Insulation is used to help keep the heat in and the cold out. Use insulation on:

Water pipes under sinks and in basement
Exterior walls
Attics
Basements

4. Clean Your HVAC System

Heating ducts typically waste 30% of the heated air due them being filled with dust and debris. Clogged heating ducts create a costly utility bill and poor heating capabilities.

Inspect your ducts
Have them professionally cleaned every 1 to 2 years
Replace furnace filter
Have your furnace inspected

Not only does duct cleaning help with heating it also helps with allergies.

5. Set Your Thermostat

Set your thermostat to temperature above 55 degrees. Anything less than that could possibly cause your pipes to freeze. Also:

Set your thermostat to one temperature during the day and another at night
If your cold bundle up!

A programmable thermostat is a great purchase because it could save you money. This thermostat will automatically lower or raise your home’s temperature while you’re away so you won’t have to worry.

6. Inspect Your Fireplace

Make sure your fireplace, chimney and vents are clean and in good repair. Have your chimney inspected and professionally cleaned. This prevents:

Chimney fires
Carbon monoxide from creeping into your home

7. Check Your Gutters

Check the gutters and downspouts for debris to prevent blockage. Blockages can lead to ice dams which can send water into your home or down by your foundation.

Clean out debris or hire a company to clean the gutters.

Make sure downspouts extend far away from the homes foundation. Buy extenders that extended to least 5 feet to prevent flooding.

8. Shut Down Outdoor Water Systems

Shut down all outdoor water ways and drain the lines. This includes:

Pools
Faucets
Sprinklers

9. Inspect the Roof

Have your roof inspected and address any signs of damage. Areas prone to leaks are:

Flashing
Valleys
Shingles

Roof maintenance of replacing shingles and receiving inspections can help the longevity of the roof.

10. Check Your Basement

A basement is the #1 flood prone area in a home. Get your basement inspected now before heavy snow fall.

Any cracking in a foundation needs to be addresssed. Cracks will allow water to creep in and lead to more issues.

Start Today!

Tackle these tips before winter is in full affect. Even small adjustments and fixes can help a great deal during the winter season. If you do not want to do these updates on your own call a professional. They can inspect areas in your home to ensure that it is ready for the winter. Also some companies offer free inspections so you won’t break the bank!

Service Area:

Broome County, Tioga County, Tompkins County, Cortland County, Susquehanna County, Lakawanna County, Chenango County and more!