Now’s The Time To Winterize Your Home

​Is it really time to start preparing our homes for winter? For many of us, the thought of ice and snow is not a pleasant prospect but, by getting ready for it now, before the temperature drops too low, we will ensure our homes stay warm and cozy. Here are a few areas of the home that you should get ready for winter:
 
Obviously, during the winter months, the main priority is heat so this is something to prepare for now. Test your heating system by turning the thermostat up and observe the length of time it takes for the system to respond. If you notice it’s taking an unusually long time, the system may need to be serviced. This is also a good time to change air filters and have the oil or propane tank filled (if this is what you use to heat the home). For homes with fireplaces its important to have this inspected as well as the chimney to make sure it's working well and not blocked in any way as this could be dangerous for the occupants of the home.
 
The home's plumbing system can take a beating during the winter months. Pipes are often prone to freeze and burst in unheated areas of the homes such as the attic and crawlspaces. To protect against this, cover pipes in these areas with fiberglass or foam insulation and keep the temperature of the home at a level high enough so that pipes in unheated places do not freeze
 
No doubt, during the fall months you will have some yard work to do. On your list of jobs to get done, be sure to include having the gutters cleaned out. Any debris that is left in guttering will freeze and become heavy leading to damaged guttering. If any water and air are left in a sprinkler system this can cause cracks to develop so make sure the system has been drained. Outdoor furniture will also need to be protected by either storing them in a dry, covered place or by placing a protective covering on them.
 
While there are many more ways to winterize your home, these simple suggestions will help you make a good start.

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