The season for colder weather, snowstorms, and nights by the fire are quickly approaching. Is your house ready for the change?
If not, you’ll want to act fast. Winterizing your home can not only make the winter months more comfortable for you and your loved ones, but it can also save you cash on energy bills and help you avoid costly repairs in the long run.
Are you ready to prep your home for the incoming winter season? Take these six steps.
1. Clean your gutters.
This is particularly important if you live in an area where snow or winter storms are common. If your gutters are full of leaves and debris, snow and water can get backed up in them, causing damage to your roof, siding, gutters, trim, and more. Clearing these items away can ensure water can flow throw easily when needed.
2. Get an HVAC inspection.
Make sure your heating system is prepped for the extra work by having an HVAC technician come out for a quick inspection and tune-up. These typically only cost around $100 and could save you much more in repairs and potential problems this winter — and beyond.
3. Seal up any gaps.
Use caulk to fill any gaps around windows and door frames, and put weather stripping at the bottom of your exterior-facing doors. This will help your house better retain heat as the months get colder.
4. Reseal exterior wood.
If you have a deck or wood siding or trim, then take some time to reseal these areas before winter storms can set in. If these are exposed to too much moisture, you could have mold, mildew, or rot to deal with — pricy problems to fix.
5. Trim your trees.
Do any trees on your property look questionable? Are there dying branches or sagging limbs? Trim those precarious parts back ASAP. Snow or strong winter winds could easily weigh them down, sending them onto your roof, house, or car.
6. Make a few small changes around the house.
There are also a few small projects you should take on inside the house (they only take about five minutes).
These include:
- Reversing your fan blades. This changes the direction of the airflow, sending warm air downward and cool air up.
- Replacing the batteries on your smoke detectors. You should do the same for your carbon monoxide detectors, too.
- Replacing your air filters. Cleaning off the intake vents (if they’ve gotten dusty) is also a smart move.
If it’s starting to get below freezing at night, you should also make sure to drip your faucets (only slightly) before hitting the hay. This can keep your pipes from freezing over and doing serious damage to your plumbing.
Need help covering the costs?
If you’re in need of help financing the costs of winterizing your home, Premier Nationwide Lending may be able to help. Reach out today to discuss your options.
Premier Nationwide Lending is an Equal Housing Opportunity lender. Sponsored by NTFN, Inc. 6201 West Plano Parkway, Suite 100, Plano, TX 75093 | NTFN NMLS 75333.
