As fall begins to fade and winter weather starts to show signs, it’s essential to start preparing your home for the colder months ahead. Winterizing your home can help prevent damage to your property and avoid hefty utility bills – keeping both your home and budget warm and cozy.

In this article, we’ll detail simple steps you can take to ensure your home is ready for the chilly weather ahead and identify tips to reduce your upcoming utility bills.

 

Weatherproof Your Windows

Weatherstripping on your doors and windows prevents cold air from entering your home and heat from escaping. If necessary, consider recaulking windows to ensure the elements stay outside. This step is crucial because cold air will keep your furnace running – causing your heating bills to skyrocket.

You can further weatherproof your windows by swapping to heavier-weight, lined curtains for the winter instead of the lightweight sheers often preferred for the warmer seasons. Keep windows closed, blinds drawn, and curtains closed to keep the heat in where it belongs. Even if you like to keep the windows open during the day to take advantage of natural light and fresh air, closing everything overnight lets you trap the warm air inside when temperatures dip.

 

Clean Out Gutters

Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent ice and snow buildup. If gutters are clogged, water can begin to seep in and cause damage to your gutters and roof.

A good rule of thumb is to clean your gutters as soon as the last of the fall leaves have come down. Consider purchasing a telescoping gutter wand to help make it easier and faster to clean your gutters. Or, if you want to avoid cleaning your gutters altogether, installing gutter guards will keep out leaves and debris.

 

Check Your Roof

Start by clearing off any debris so you can see the condition of your roof. Check for broken or missing shingles and repair or replace them to prevent roof leaks caused by the accumulation of snow and ice.

If you live in a highly snow-prone area, consider getting a roof rake to clear the snow from your roof and installing snow guards to prevent ice and snow from falling off your roof in an avalanche and causing damage.

 

Inspect Your Fireplace

A dirty chimney can be a fire hazard, so make sure your chimney is clear of any soot buildup or other debris. Some animals may even build their nests in chimneys, so be sure to check your chimney before lighting your first fire of the season.

Even if you have a gas fireplace, it still requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep your fireplace operating smoothly and safely.

 

Replace Air and Furnace Filters

Your HVAC system and your furnace function far more efficiently when you regularly replace your filters. Dirty filters can have dust, pollen, animal hair, and other debris trapped inside, obstructing airflow and making your systems run longer to heat and cool your home properly.

Regularly replacing your filters reduces strain on your systems. It’s recommended to replace your filters at least every 3 months, or more frequently depending on the animals you have in your home and their shedding habits.

 

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Switching to a programmable thermostat helps keep your home comfortable while keeping your energy use and bills down. Lowering the thermostat a few degrees while you’re sleeping or away can go a long way to reduce your energy consumption and lower your bills.

You can make things easier for yourself by switching to a programmable thermostat, so you don’t have to remember to change it. You can customize your temperature preferences and set schedules that kick in automatically.

 

Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes can cause a major headache for homeowners, especially if they burst and cause water damage. Know where your water main shutoff is located so you can get to it quickly in an emergency and prevent a disaster from getting too out of hand.

When temperatures drop significantly at night, consider leaving water dripping to maintain a steady flow of water through your pipes and decrease the likelihood of them freezing. 

 

Cover or Move Outdoor Furniture

Move any furniture from your deck or patio into your garage or shed. If you are unable to move the furniture or don’t have a place to store it, cover it with weatherproof covers. Depending on the material, some of your furniture may be made to withstand winter weather. But when in doubt, you’re better off covering it or moving it elsewhere.

If you have outdoor potted plants, consider moving them indoors before the first cold snap. A rule of thumb is to bring in outdoor plants if temperatures are projected to fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Depending on where you live, you might need to replenish or stock up on emergency supplies, such as:

• Windshield ice scraper
• Snow shovel
• Weather radio
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Shelf-stable foods and beverages that don’t require cooking (granola bars, crackers, canned goods, bottled water, etc.)
• Extras of dry pet food

Another measure to consider is creating an emergency car kit. This is a good thing to have throughout the year, but for the winter months, you can add a few extra things to extend your emergency preparedness:

• Extra blankets
• Warm hats and gloves
• Chargers for devices
• Battery charger or jumper cables
• First Aid Kit

 

Tools to Help You Winterize Your Home

Your home is likely your largest financial investment, so you want to do everything to keep it at its best. You also want to ensure your utility bills don’t derail your budget during the colder months. Depending on your property and necessary repairs, there are a variety of affordable financing options.

• Smaller Projects: For routine maintenance and small repairs, your low-rate credit card might be the perfect fit. It’s convenient and allows you to winterize without extra financing steps.

 

• Mid-Sized Projects: If your home requires involved home repairs, a personal loan is an excellent option. People often overlook these loans, but they are packed with perks:

 

• You receive a specific amount of funds, which allows you to budget more easily.
• Interest rates are usually much lower than those of traditional credit cards.
• With set repayment terms, you avoid long-term debt and typically pay less interest versus credit cards.

 

• Large Projects: For significant home repairs, such as a new roof, consider a home equity loan. These loans allow you to borrow against the equity in your home – usually at some of the lowest interest rates possible. Plus, the longer terms of home equity loans help keep your payments low and budget happy.

 

We’re Here to Help!

Winterizing your home is a crucial step in protecting your property and maintaining lower energy costs. Take time to walk the perimeter of your house, inspect windows, and check your roof. Most tasks will be routine maintenance, but you also want to identify any major repairs early in the season.

If you have questions about financing your winter home preparations, we’re ready to help. Depending on your needs, we can find the perfect option to fit your budget. Please contact us today!