Winter weather is on its way, so here are 6 useful tips to help prepare for your home for the lower temperatures to come.
Winter storms caused $2.1 billion in insured losses in 2019 (Insurance Information Institute. In order to prevent costly damage, we’ve put together a list of 10 ways you can prepare your home for the colder weather to come.
Insulate Indoor Pipes
Pipe insulation keeps the water in your plumbing system from turning to ice and expanding, which is why it goes a long way in preventing unexpected costs.
You can install insulation around any exposed copper or PVC water pipe, and is fairly inexpensive (as little as 50 cents per linear foot).
Service Your Furnace and Chimney
Be sure to service your fireplace and chimney at least once a year. Furnace flues can become blocked by soot, which can cause poisonous carbon monoxide fumes to blow back and enter your living space.
Insulate Your Attic or Crawl Space
Once temperatures begin to drop, you’ll want to keep your home warm while also maintaining a low heating bill.
By adding insulation to your attic or crawlspace, you will get the best of both worlds. It’s a project that you can complete in one weekend that will result in more energy savings each year.
Clean and Inspect Gutters
Prevent the buildup of water in your gutters by inspecting and cleaning them regularly.
Clogged gutters with water buildup can freeze once temperatures drop, leading to improper drainage of snow, rain, and everything in between.
The only tools you’ll need for this project are gloves, a ladder, and a garden hose. You can use a hand tool or your hands to remove debris depending on your preference.
Repair Patios and Pavers
A loose, uneven patio or paving stone will get worse due to winter’s cycles of freezing and thawing.
If you notice shifted patio or paving stones, have a mason or landscaping service reset the stones to prevent further shifting caused by freezing and thawing.
Secure Outdoor Water Sources
Drain and store garden hoses and sprinklers before the first frost to minimize the chances of them freezing and bursting.
For hose bibs, shut off the water-supply valve inside your house or basement that feeds the line, then open the outdoor spigot (any water trapped inside will drain out). If you simply shut off the spigot itself, trapped water can freeze and cause a burst pipe inside.