Sipping hot chocolate by a warm fire place frosty winter days is great – not fixing burst water pipes. Before winter kicks into full gear, prepare for the cold months ahead and keep winter weather from damaging your home .
These tips can help eliminate some of the problems that winter weather can cause to your home. A little preparation now could save a lot of time and money later.
Winterize Your Home
By draining your outdoor hose bibs, and by keeping your heat on even when you’re away from home, you can prevent water pipes from cracking and spilling gallons of water all over your home.
Keep temperature inside the home at least 65 degrees. Otherwise your pipes could freeze, causing all sorts of other problems. A temperature lower than 65 degrees may not keep the pipes from freezing.
* Consider upgrading to newer more energy efficient ones. New windows add to the value of your home and generally pay for themselves over time by reducing energy costs. At the very least winterize your old windows by caulking gaps, adding weather stripping, and installing storm windows.
It’s a good idea to have your heating ducts cleaned every five years.
Clean gutters and trim overhanging tree limbs and check out the roof area to ensure it’s intact. Check your heating system and fireplace.
Make sure your furnace is in good working order and clean your chimney and fireplace.
Be sure that the furnace filter is clean, and replace it if it’s not.
Are the thermostat and pilot light working properly?
Have a professional check your home for structural damage. Extremely cold weather can sometimes turn Your home’s small problems into major issues during the winter months.
If you have a basement consider purchasing a sump pump. If the snow melts quickly in the spring it could help prevent flooding. Basic home insurance policies don’t offer flood insurance.
Reassess Your Home Insurance.
Basic home insurance covers four things: the structure of your home, your personal belongings, liability and living expenses. The type of plan you have, and how much insurance you purchase, determines to what degree you’re covered. Take a look at your home insurance policy now and make sure you have enough coverage.
Spending a little more on home insurance could actually save you money if any winter-related damages occur.
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