6 Ways to Winterize Your Home

1. Call an HVAC Professional If you have a home warranty, you won’t have to worry about spending very much money on any repairs that your home might need, including repairs to your HVAC system. Your HVAC system is one of the very first things that you’ll want to have inspected before the winter season since you’ll be using it so much. Check to make sure that the ductwork is clean and that your furnace is in good working order. 2. Maintain Your Fireplace Homeowners who use their fireplace during the winter should have it cleaned by a professional. If your home warranty extends to your fireplace and covers maintenance, have your fireplace thoroughly cleaned and make sure that the damper opens and closes properly. If you have a brick chimney, make sure that mortar and brick are in good condition. It’s also a good idea to see that you have plenty of firewood chopped up and ready to be thrown into the fire so that your home will always be toasty warm. Since animals and critters will also want to keep warm during the winter, it’s also a good idea to buy a screen for the top of your fireplace in order to make sure that they won’t set up shop inside of your fireplace. 3. Check Your Roof A roof in need of repair can cost you money in heating bills. Specifically, you’ll want to make sure your roof shingles are in good condition and that you don’t have any leaks on your roof. Leaks can lead to a number of complications, including mold and a compromised home structure. Just as you can get a home warranty, you can also get a warranty for your roof to cover repairs. Make sure that the gutters are cleaned while you’re taking care of any roof repairs that you might need. 4. Get your Garden and Lawn Care Equipment Ready While you’re putting away your garden and lawn care equipment, it’s a good idea to drain the gas and oil out of your weed eater, lawn mower and tiller. Drain your garden hoses before storing them to make sure that water can’t freeze and refreeze, which can really compromise the integrity of hoses. 5. Clear the Foundation of Your Home Even during the winter season any vegetation that’s near your home can grow if conditions are right. Your home warranty probably won’t cover any damage that’s done to the foundation of your home from any roots that might find their way inside the lower structure of your home. As you’re taking care of growing plants, make sure that you check your foundation for any other signs of damage that might need to be addressed. 6. Check Your Carbon Monoxide and Fire Detectors Winter is a prime season for home fires. Install carbon monoxide and fire detectors in your home near your furnace and each level of your home if you don’t already have them. Make sure that your detectors work and that you change out the batteries during the fall. Should you have a fire in your home, remember that a home warranty isn’t the same as having a home insurance policy, which means that some of your belongings will be covered under your insurance plan that aren’t covered by your warranty. Take out time to winterize your home as you’re enjoying the changing leaves and the steadily dropping temperatures.]]>