HOW TO WINTERIZE A HOME
Winterization is an important process that homeowners should not neglect to do for their property, whether it’s your summer house that you’re closing up or your primary residence.
The purpose of winterizing your home is to prevent higher energy costs and avoid any damage that could be caused by cold weather or snow to your home.
The start of the cold season varies depending on where you live, but a good rule of thumb to follow is to start the winterization process in early fall. This gives you plenty of time to do it at your own pace if you plan to do it all yourself, and if you plan to hire the professionals, you will need this time to schedule the service appointments.
Winterizing your home will help prepare BOTH the inside and outside for the cold weather.
- Clean the gutters – Make sure your gutters are clean and free of any debris. Gutters are on your house to direct water and moisture away from your roof so that water doesn’t seep in and cause damage. The gutters can’t do this very important job if they are clogged with dead leaves and/or other debris.
- Check the chimney – You want to make sure your fireplace doesn’t have any buildup from previous fires in the fireplace. A chimney that has build-up and is dirty can be a fire hazard. Make sure you hire a chimney sweep to ensure it’s clear.
- Weatherproof windows and doors – Cold air can creep in through windows and doors, so make sure to replace any weatherstripping around them if needed. If any gaps need to be sealed around windows, apply caulking to those areas. Window film can also be applied to older windows to keep out the cold (not newer, energy-efficient windows). A door sweep at the bottom of your door can help, too.
- Protect the pipes – Frozen pipes can burst during the winter. This can cause major problems for the home. A few ways to avoid this are to: know where your main water shutoff is so it can be accessed quickly in an emergency. Drain water from outdoor sprinkler systems and hoses, disconnect the hose and cover the faucets. Fix any broken windows so cold air doesn’t get in and freeze pipes. Close off any vents on the outside of your home that might have been opened in the summer.
- Service the HVAC system – Replace your furnace filter and get your HVAC serviced before the cold weather comes to make sure your heating system is ready.
If you choose to winterize your home yourself, give yourself plenty of time to get it all done, and if you find any problems that could be hazardous, make sure to call a professional right away!
If you’re looking to buy or sell this winter, give us a call! My team and I are on standby 7 days a week, ready to help you take the smoother road to sold!
SOURCE: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/plumbing/how-to-winterize-a-house/