We have been spoiled so far this year in the metro area with the mild winter but we all realize that soon enough the white stuff will gently fall from the skies. Now is the perfect time to prepare your home for our lovely winters to prevent any unforeseen issues.
1. Insulate your hot water heater
As one of the largest energy consumers in your home, this is a simple and easy way to maximize efficiency in the cold months. Wrap a water heater insulation blanket around it to prevent loss of heat. This can reduce heat loss by 45%!!!
2. Repair insulation in your attic and any crawl spaces
Adding or repairing insulation will save you money and ensure your home remains properly heated. Rule of thumb – regardless of where you live in the U.S. you need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in your attic. Over time, insulation can settle by humidity so get out the ladder and check the attic.
3. Protect your pipes
Do not forget to drain the lines, turn off valves, and insulate any pipes that may freeze. Many homeowners may overlook the outside faucet. Turn the the shutoff valve inside your and open the outside valve to allow any remaining water to escape.
4. Clean out your gutters
Historically, fall comes before winter. When the massive amount leaves land on the roof, they can easily plug up gutters and downspouts. By removing all leaves, clutter and gunk from the gutters, this ensures nothing backs up or freezes. Gutter freezing will cause water to seep into the house. Downspouts should carry water away from the home’s foundation not through the walls.
5. Schedule a furnace checkup
Before old man winter rears his ugly head, you will want to make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape. Getting a regular check-up by a professional and replacing the filter are keys. Hate to have your furnace take a vacation during the coldest of days.
The real estate world is still going strong with us over at Lakeshore Plus. We recently listed a few beautiful high end homes and have more coming down the pipeline. It proves to show that if a company does a professional job and takes care of their clients, business stays strong even during a poor economy. Click here if you would like a free personalized market snapshot sent to your email.
