Get Your Home Ready for Chilly Days
Fall is here, and while the days still feel mild, cooler weather is just around the corner. Now’s the perfect time to get your home ready for winter. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your home cozy, safe, and hassle-free all season long.
1. Tune Up Your Heating System
Before the first frost, give your furnace some attention. Swap out old filters and consider a professional checkup to make sure it’s running efficiently. A well-maintained system keeps your home warm and your energy bills in check.
Stephens agent Zach Dodson adds, “If you have a home humidifier, open the damper for winter. And flip your ceiling fans to clockwise rotation. This helps circulate warm air.”
2. Seal Drafts and Gaps
Notice a chill near your windows or doors? Weatherstripping or a little caulk can seal the gaps and keep your home snug. Plus, it helps prevent energy bills from creeping up when temperatures drop.
3. Clean and Inspect Gutters
Those colorful fall leaves might look pretty, but they can clog gutters and cause problems later. Give them a good cleaning and check that water flows freely to avoid water damage or ice dams.
4. Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of winter’s most unwelcome surprises. Insulate exposed pipes, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and attics. On really cold nights, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.
Chris Earl, Stephens broker and co-owner, says, “Detach hoses, cover spigots, and don’t forget your sprinkler system. It’s worth having a professional winterize it.”
5. Check Roofs and Chimneys
Take a walk around your home and look for missing shingles or other damage. If you use a fireplace, have your chimney cleaned. A few small checks now can save big headaches later.
6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Shorter days mean more time indoors. Make sure your detectors are working and replace batteries as needed. They’re your home’s first line of defense.
7. Tidy Up the Yard
Rake leaves, trim branches, and store outdoor furniture and tools for the season. A tidy yard now keeps your home and belongings safe during winter storms.
8. Stock Up on Winter Essentials
Grab de-icing salt, shovels, and an emergency kit while supplies are plentiful. Chris Earl advises, “Have your snow shovels ready and service your snow blower. Hardware stores can run out fast, and nothing is worse than equipment that won’t start when you need it.”
9. Check Outdoor Lighting
With early sunsets, good lighting is more important than ever. Make sure fixtures are working and consider motion sensors for extra security.
10. Do a Winter Walk-Through
Take a slow stroll around your home and property to spot anything that needs attention before the cold sets in. A little prep now makes winter easier to enjoy.
Getting ahead of these tasks helps your home stay comfortable and safe through the season. Here in Douglas County, winter has its own charm, and your Stephens Real Estate agent is always ready to offer local insight and advice so you can enjoy the season without worry.