With the chilly winter months fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the change in seasons. As your local real estate team, we’ve seen how a little bit of pre-winter prep can make a big difference in keeping your home comfortable and your energy bills in check.
In this blog post, we’ll share five essential tasks to tackle before the snow starts to fall. By taking care of these items now, you can enjoy a warm, efficient home all winter long.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
One of the most important – and often overlooked – winter prep tasks is insulating your home’s pipes. When temperatures drop, exposed pipes run the risk of freezing, which can lead to costly leaks and even burst pipes. Protect your plumbing by wrapping any pipes in unheated areas, like the attic, garage, or crawl space, with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. This inexpensive material is easy to install and can save you from dealing with the headache (and expense) of a burst pipe.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings are a major source of heat loss in the winter. Take some time to carefully inspect the exterior of your home and seal any cracks or gaps with caulk or weatherstripping. This simple task can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency and keep you more comfortable all season long.
3. Clean Your Gutters
This seems to be one of the top tasks through fall and winter seasons, but clogged gutters can lead to ice dams – those unsightly icicles that form at the edge of your roof! Not only do ice dams look unattractive, but they can also cause serious damage by forcing melting snow and ice back under your roof shingles. Be sure to clean your gutters in the fall to remove any leaves, sticks, or other debris that could obstruct water flow. While you’re up there, also check for any loose, damaged, or sagging gutters that may need repair.
4. Protect Outdoor Faucets
If you have any exterior faucets or irrigation systems, be sure to shut off the water supply and drain the lines before the temperatures drop. Allowing water to freeze in these outdoor fixtures can cause them to crack and leak. Investing a small amount of time in winterizing your exterior plumbing can save you from dealing with expensive repairs down the road.
5. Stock Up on Winter Supplies
Finally, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies on hand to handle whatever Old Man Winter throws your way. Stock up on rock salt or de-icing products, a sturdy snow shovel, an ice scraper for your car, and any other cold-weather essentials. Being prepared with the right gear can make snow days and ice storms much more manageable (and safer!) for you and your family.
By tackling these five important tasks, you can help protect your home, reduce your energy costs, and ensure your family stays cozy and comfortable all winter long. If you have any other questions about preparing your home for the colder months, our preferred vendor page is a great resource for services in Kansas City. Our team of real estate experts is always happy to help guide you this season!
