Tips for Winterizing Your Home:

Fall is here!  Are you ready for the cold weather and the upcoming winter weather?  Here are some tips to ensure you home is prepared and winter-ready.

1. Clean Your Gutters:  Leaves and other debris will need to be removed from your home’s gutters to prevent clogs and potential ice dams.  Also be sure to check down spouts so water is directed 10 feet away from the house to prevent water damage.

2. Block Any Leaks:  This applies to the inside and the outside of your home.  Seal or repair any drafty doors or window throughout the home to save on energy costs during the fall and winter seasons.

3. Consider Adding Insulation:  Adding insulation to your home’s attic will pay off.  Be sure your attic has at least 12 inches of insulation.

4. Inspect Your Furnace:  Make sure your furnace is functioning properly before the coldest weather hits.  It is recommended to have furnaces cleaned and tuned each year.  Be sure to change the furnace filters regularly and check them monthly.

5. How Are Your Ducts?  Heated air can be lost before it reaches the vents if the ductwork is not properly connected or insulated.

6. Windows:  Take out screens and install storm windows during the fall season.  Use plastic sheeting on the interior for minor drafts and consider replacement for windows severely leaky.

7. Check the Chimney:  If it wasn’t cleaned in the spring, it definitely needs some attention now.  Chimneys should receive a Level 1 inspection and sweep.  Keep damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.

8. Reverse the Ceiling Fans:  Did you know if you reverse the ceiling fan’s rotation it will push warm air down?

9. Wrap Pipes:  Prevent busted pipes, especially those lacking insulation, near outside walls, or in unheated areas by wrapping them with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation.

10. Check Alarms:  Test all smoke detectors, carbon-monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.

Source:  MSN. (2012). 10 Ways to Winterize Your Home. Retrieved from http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107899