24 Sep Preparing Your Home for Colder Months

With everything else going on right now, it’s understandable if doing regular home maintenance isn’t at the forefront of your mind. However, preparing your home for colder months could save you a lot of hassle down the road. Depending on your property and location, you may have preparations to make that aren’t on this list, but we wanted to give you a quick list of common to-do items to get you started. Don’t procrastinate! The more you do now while it’s still warm, the less you’ll have to do when winter is fast approaching.

Check for drafts

Take a few minutes to feel around your windows and doors for drafts. Replacing seals or repairing caulking will save you a lot on your heating bill. 

Test home safety devices

Periodically checking your fire and carbon monoxide alarms is a good idea in any season.

Have an HVAC professional check your furnace

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your furnace looked at, it’s a good idea to have someone come and check for efficiency as well as change the filter if needed.

Block out the critters

As night temperatures drop, rodents, birds and other unwanted critters will look for places to get out of the cold. Be sure to seal up any holes in your attic where they could get in.

Make sure your siding is painted and caulked

It’s expensive to repair rotting wood on your home. Prevent it from happening in the first place by painting and caulking any spots that need it.

Inspect your roof

If you need to replace any shingles, it’s best to get that done before it gets cold.

Clean your gutters

It’s not a fun job, but it’s important! 

Take down any dangerous tree branches

If there are any tree branches that could come down onto your house in a storm, put removing them on your to-do list.

Remember to bring in potted plants

Before winter comes, don’t forget to bring inside any plants that can’t endure overnight frost.

Drain outdoor faucets

Once you’re done watering your gardens and lawns, be sure to drain your hoses, sprinklers and outside faucets to prevent water from freezing in them.

Check your generator and keep gasoline stocked

If you lose power, you don’t want to be scrambling around in a storm trying to go buy gas or replace a broken generator.

See if your homeowners insurance needs updating

If your homeowners’ insurance hasn’t been updated in a few years, you should contact your Spivey Insurance agent. Insurance is an industry that changes constantly, and we want to make sure you’re getting the coverage you need at the best rate.

We want you to be safe, secure and prepared for whatever comes our way in the coming months. If there’s anything at all we can do to give you a hand, call us at 704-821-4460 and we’ll get you squared away! Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest for more tips and updates.