7 Ways to Winterize Your Home

With fall, and then winter, just around the corner, temperatures will begin dropping before we know it. Is your home ready for the long haul of winter? Here’s 6 steps that you can take as you start thinking about winterizing your home:

1. Furnace Filter: During the cold of winter, your heating system will begin to work a little harder. Because of this, make sure that every 1-2 months you replace the furnace filter. This will help the furnace system to work at its best and will also improve the air quality within your home. And who doesn’t want cleaner air when you know that the windows will be shut tight for months on end?
2. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Make sure to regularly check the batteries on the smoke and CO alarms in your house and replace them as needed. To find out whether or not the batteries need to be replaced, press and hold the test button on each unit to trigger the alarm. If the alarm doesn’t go off, that means it’s time to replace the batteries! This is a must-do for you home.
3. Cracks: Cracks within the perimeter walls of your house can wreak havoc on your heating bill each month during the winter season because warm air will seep out. Take a look around to find gaps that need caulked and weather stripping that needs repaired to make sure you keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
4. Attic Insulation: Warm air will always rise to the highest point in your home and in many cases, this highest place is the attic. If the insulation in your attic isn’t up to par, think about adding/updating your insulation. Quick tip: If the ceiling joists are visible, further insulation is required.
5. Frozen Pipes: While there are numerous methods to combat frozen pipes, taking care of the outside faucets is the most effective. Disconnect any hoses, cover outside faucets with foam covers, and if possible, turn off the water leading to the outside faucets.
6. Heating: While we all want to be sure to maintain a cozy temperature in our home during the winter, remember not to over-do it. There are plenty of money-saving techniques that we can practice, like slightly lowering the water heater temperature or opening curtains during sunny days to let the natural light from the sun warm up the house.

We hope that this tips help you begin to think through how you can prepare for the winter season to come. Following these steps before winter arrives will help you to maintain a safe, warm, and cost-effective home environment now, so that you won’t have to worry about it when the cold winter months arrive!

*Information referenced from housetrends.

At North Eastern Group Realty, we are prepared to assist our clients with their significant Fort Wayne real estate decisions. Our corporate commitment is to provide real knowledge, proven experience and professional, quality service. To search all Fort Wayne homes for sale or find a Fort Wayne REALTOR®, visit our website at NorthEasternGroup.com.

North Eastern Group Realty is Fort Wayne’s largest independent real estate company located at 10808 La Cabreah Lane, Fort Wayne, IN 46845.