Owning a home is a great way to make a comfortable space you truly love and of course, it’s a great investment for the future. But it also means that updates and repairs will need to be made occasionally to keep things running efficiently and safely, especially in the winter. Being proactive about maintenance can save you a lot of money on energy costs and help prevent expensive repairs. Here are a few home winterizing tips that could help, depending on where you live.
Block Window and Door Drafts
Sure, new windows would be nice, but you don’t need to spend thousands on an upgrade like that to save energy. Simply purchase an inexpensive window insulator kit and install to help prevent heat loss. These are usually available at any local hardware store. You can also put door sweeps under your doors – especially entryways – to help prevent cold drafts from entering.
Check Insulation
Make sure your basement, attic floor and walls are well insulated. Did the installers miss any panels? Is the insulation still in good shape? If your attic has no insulation, or inadequate insulation, talk to a contractor about cost-effective ways of adding this feature.
Don’t Let your Pipes Freeze
There aren’t many things more frustrating or destructive in winter than frozen pipes. When the weather starts getting colder, be sure to drain outdoor spigots and make sure that pipes close to exterior walls are well insulated. Water in your house is never fun, especially in the wintertime.
Routine Maintenance for the Win
Before the winter weather hits, it’s a good idea to take a minute to assess the condition of your roof. What might be a loose shingle right now could turn into a much bigger problem if water gets underneath and freezes. Replacing some shingles now is much easier (and way more affordable) than having to replace the entire roof.
While you’re assessing the roof, take a moment to clean out your gutters. Making sure that melting snow can drain properly can go a long way in preventing damage to your roof, exterior and foundation.
And lastly, one of the easiest, most cost-effective things you can do is to replace furnace filters regularly. This can help your furnace run more efficiently and might even lengthen its life.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Even when you clean your gutters, change your furnace filters and do everything else possible to winterize your home, things can happen. If you experience an emergency that would stretch your budget, consider a personal loan from World Finance. Our team members are always here to help you get the money you need for unexpected home repairs and projects. Here’s to getting back to the good this winter – like cozy nights on the couch!