Winterizing Your Home: 3 Tips for Every Homeowner

It’s that time of the year again! Before the cold weather sets in, you need to make sure your home is ready for winter. Winterizing your home can help prevent costly repairs, save energy bills, and ensure that you stay warm and comfortable all season long. Here are three tips to get you started on winterizing your home before it gets too cold.

Tip #1 - Check Weather Stripping Around Windows and Doors
One way to keep your heating bill low while still keeping your house warm is to make sure there are no gaps or drafts around windows and doors. You should check the weather stripping around each window and door frame for any signs of wear or tear. If you find any cracks or gaps, replace the weather stripping as soon as possible. This will help keep out drafts and ensure that heat stays in your home instead of escaping through these openings.

Tip #2 - Insulate Pipes
When temperatures drop below freezing, exposed pipes can freeze and burst, leading to significant damage throughout your home. To avoid this, you should insulate all exposed pipes with foam insulation tape or pipe sleeves. Make sure to pay special attention to pipes located in unheated spaces such as attics, basements, and crawlspaces. Additionally, if you have outdoor faucets that are connected to a garden hose or sprinkler system, make sure they are turned off at the shutoff valve inside the house before temperatures drop too low outside.

Tip #3 - Clean Gutters
Gutters play an important role in protecting your roof from water damage caused by melting snow or heavy rains during winter months. It’s important to clean them out before winter hits so that melted snow or rainwater can flow freely instead of collecting on top of the roof and causing further damage. Make sure to remove all leaves, twigs, dirt, debris from gutters prior to winter arriving so you don’t have larger issues when spring rolls around!

Winterizing your home is an important step towards ensuring it is safe and energy-efficient during cold months ahead. By following these three tips – checking weather stripping around windows and doors; insulating pipes; cleaning gutters – homeowners can rest easy knowing their homes will remain safe and warm throughout the season! When in doubt, always consult with an industry handyman or technician.

About the Author: Jake McClure is a licensed real estate broker, REALTOR, and the group leader of the Burling Square Group - Your North Shore Chicago Real Estate Experts! Burling Square Group is a division within Fulton Grace Realty.