Winter is coming…are you (and your house) ready?
With temperatures dropping and the sun setting earlier, we’ve moved from the patio to the living room. While we will miss the time spent outdoors, the coming months are meant to be cozy and warm. This is a great time to look into your home’s efficiency and take care of regular maintenance. Your home is your shelter so why not give it some love this winter?
Here are three top tips to ready your house for colder weather:
Complete Your Own Home Audit
Do an energy audit of your home by checking for drafts near doorways and windows, changing inefficient light bulbs, and unplugging devices when not in use to prevent phantom energy use. If you find that a window or door is letting in outdoor air, install or replace weatherstripping, which can be found at any hardware store.
Heat, AC, and Ventilation
Check all heating and cooling equipment annually or as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have a fireplace, have a professional inspect your venting system. By regularly checking your heating and cooling unit, you can extend the lifespan of your systems.
Exterior, Garden, Roof, and Deck
Seal holes or gaps to prevent the elements and unwanted pests from coming into your home. Shut off outdoor faucets and store hoses to prevent freezing, and clean gutters to keep debris from blocking water channels when snow melts.
If you need recommendations for service providers, give me a call. I have a list of trusted professionals I am happy to refer, and I want your investment to be protected no matter the season!