Winter Preparation: How to Prepare your Home for Winter

Preparation is the key to having a wonderful winter and lessening your chances of expensive damage to your home. Preparing  for the upcoming months may seem troubling. If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of preparing your home for winter, here are a few tips on how and what to look for, to simplify the winterization process. 

Plumbing problems

Frozen and burst pipes are one of the main dangers of a cold winter and can cost up to $5,000 to repair and fix the damage. To prevent plumbing problems, you need to drain all outdoor faucets (like garden hoses and in-ground sprinklers) and insulate any exposed pipes. If you plan to go on vacation, don’t forget that you need to leave the heat on to keep your pipes from freezing. You should also let your faucets drip during a cold snap as an additional safeguard against freezing.

Drafts

A cold winter draft isn’t just uncomfortable, it raises your heating bill and can even cause frozen pipes. Check weather stripping around windows, doors and vents to see what might need to be replaced. If you see any holes or gaps around the outside of your house, you can fill them in with caulk.

Heating system

Get your furnace thoroughly checked by an HVAC professional who will change your filter. If you have a fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned before you start using it for cozy winter nights. You don’t want to wait for a cold night before you make sure you have a way to stay warm.

Roof and gutters

Gutters clogged with fall leaves can quickly freeze up and fail to drain off melted snow and ice. It is important to make sure that your gutters are clean before the chance of snow and ice so that all moisture drains away from your home and doesn’t pool near your foundation. While you are at it, have a professional check your roof for ice dams. Ice dams are areas on your roof where heat from your home melts ice unevenly. These areas won’t allow snow and ice to drain off properly, which can weaken your roof.

Our team wishes you a safe and joyous winter season.  On that note, please remember if you have any questions regarding your Home Owners Insurance Policy as winter moves in, do not hesitate to reach out to the Northeast – Metro West Insurance Team.