Love it or hate it, winter is here to stay for the next few months. The shorter days and limited outdoor activities make even the most active individuals want to hide away in a warm, cozy home.
Let’s make sure your home stays warm and cozy all season long with effective weatherproofing steps you can take before we get snow that sticks!
- Locate the water shut-off valve
Picture this: you come home from work only to hear the sound of running water — a frozen pipe has burst!
In a moment of panic, you realize you don’t know where the water shut-off valve is, as water continues to damage your home.
Burst pipes are not only expensive to fix, but they can cause a shocking amount of damage in a short period of time.
Locate your home’s water shut-off valve early in the season so you can minimize damage in the event of a burst pipe — especially if your home is poorly insulated or there are pipes near exposed walls.
Remember: even the smallest pipes can cause significant water damage!
- Inspect doors and windows for leaks
Does your electricity bill seem higher than average this year? Or are you noticing any unexplained drafts around your home?
Don’t just put on an extra sweater! Inspect your doors and windows for any pesky leaks around the weather stripping, which can become worn over the years.
Weatherstripping, like the easy-to-install Foam Window Weatherstrip, is readily available at home improvement stores like Lowe’s.
Plus, you don’t need to hire a contractor to replace any weatherstripping! Head over to YouTube and find a credible how-to video and learn how to replace it yourself.
Remember: It’s more cost-effective to repair or replace worn weatherstripping than pay a high electricity bill all season!
- Clean your gutters
We know, cleaning your gutters is everyone’s least favorite household chore… but it can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Pull out the ladder or hire a company to clean any leftover leaves from autumn or dirt and sticks from the eaves. This will prevent clogs when the winter snow melts — saving you from risking overflows, leaks, and other costly damages to your home.
Also, take this time to ensure your downspouts extend away from your home by 5 feet or more. This will protect your foundation and extend the quality of your home!
- Inspect your furnace
This is one of those “it’s better to do it and not need it than wait until there is an issue” situations!
Schedule an HVAC call with a trusted company and have them check your furnace and furnace filters, especially if your furnace hasn’t had a maintenance check recently.
Just imagine waking up in the night in the middle of January with no heat!
Request a home insurance quote
SFM Insurance wants you to be safe in your home. That’s why we offer comprehensive homeowners insurance policies that meet your needs.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation discussion about protecting your assets today. For more tips and our latest updates, visit us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn!
