Preparing Your Home for the Winter

Temperatures are dropping, and while you can cover yourself up with layers of clothing and gear to fight off the chill when you go outside, you also need to make sure that your home is as safe and comfortable as possible.

Here are a few things to keep in mind so you can keep your home and hard-earned investment ready for the winter:

  1. Take some time to clean your roof. If you have trees nearby, you can expect a lot of leaves and twigs in your gutter from the autumn season, and you would want these removed to avoid build-up and accumulation once it starts to snow. The extra weight, as well as the blockage they may cause, can wreak havoc on your roof.
  2. Inspect your walls and windows. Look out for any gaps and air leaks and have them properly sealed. Left unattended, these can cause unwanted moisture and cold air to seep in and not only will this drive up your energy costs for heating, it may further damage the house as well.
  3. Make sure your heating system is up to the task. Different heating systems may call for different approaches when it comes to maintenance, but keeping them clean of any dirt and obstructions is universal. For more specialized maintenance or repair, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. The peace of mind you get from having a well-maintained and fully-functional heater is priceless.
  4. Your plumbing must be protected. Take appropriate steps to prevent water and moisture from accumulating in your pipes before the cold really sets in. Disconnect your hoses from your outdoor faucets and make sure they properly drained. Good pipe insulation and heat cables are cheap and go a long way towards protecting these vital components of your house.

The work doesn’t stop here. You would want to keep an eye on your home as you go through the winter months and ensure that everything is in place and working as intended.

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