Is Your Home Ready for Freezing Weather?

You’re ready for the holidays, but are you prepared for the freezing weather that comes with the season?  Keep yourself and your home warm, safe and cozy this winter by following these tips that my friend Scott Keenum from Fitzgerald Financial group emailed me:

  1. Protect your pipes. Protect your pipes from bursting this winter by insulating them if needed. Pipes that run through exterior walls are particularly at risk, but those that run through uninsulated attics or crawlspaces can also freeze.
  2. Clear the gutters. Inspect and clean your gutters and drains to avoid ice from building up and leaking water into your home.
  3. Seal air leaks. Inspect your home’s interior for cracks. Open cracks or leaks allow warm air to escape, so seal them up and keep the warm air in.  
  4. Get your fireplace ready. If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned in a while, call a chimney sweep to remove any dangerous soot or buildup. If you don’t plan to use your chimney, make sure the damper is closed.
  5. Maintain your furnace. Clean your furnace once a year to remove build-up and improve efficiency.
  6. Cover your windows. Don’t let heat escape through your windows. Use your blinds or drapes to add a layer of insulation.  
  7. Change outdoors bulbs. Clean all light fixtures and replace burnt-out bulbs with energy efficient bulbs.
  8. Bring in the outdoors. Cold temperatures, snow or ice can damage outdoor furniture and grills. Bring them in if possible, or purchase covers to protect them from the elements.
Wishing you a safe and warm winter season. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we
can help you in any way. ~Scott Kapinos