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10 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter Before the Cold Hits

Gone are the hot days of summer, and here instead are crisp fall mornings and breezy autumn afternoons. Winter may still seem far on the horizon, but now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the snow and cold to come.

Here are some things to do now to prepare your home for winter.

Inspect the Roof

inspecting roof to prepare your home for winterWhile the days are still warm, get outside and take a look at your roof, checking for missing, broken, or loose shingles that could cause leaks or let in drafts.

Clean Your Gutters

icicles hanging from a gutterWhile you’re up there looking at the roof, clean out your gutters of any dead leaves or detritus, as this can cause water backups and potential ice dams.

Turn Off Outside Water

emptying garden house to prepare your home for winterTo prevent hoses or irrigation systems from freezing, turn off the outside water and drain any exterior hoses or irrigation lines.

Prep Your Lawn Mower

preparing lawnmower for winterDon’t leave fuel in your mower unless you’ve added stabilizer. Instead, try and use up as much fuel as possible and run the engine until the rest is used up.

Seal Out the Cold Air

sealing out cold air and leaks to prepare your home for winterPrevent expensive air leaks by taking some time to search out areas in need of weather stripping, caulking, or insulation. Pull back your attic insulation to find and seal cutouts in the drywall, or even consider adding or replacing existing insulation.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

installing a programmable thermostatMore fuel cost savings can be found with a programmable thermostat, which can allow you to set temperatures based on the time of day and whether you’ll be home or away.

Have Your Furnace Serviced

check furnace and heatersSave yourself a long wait for repairs during winter time by having your furnace looked at now. A servicer can make sure your system is clean and in good repair and achieves manufacturer-rated efficiency. You’ll also want to make sure you replace your air filters monthly to keep it running smoothly.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

reverse ceiling fanDid you know that running your ceiling fans counterclockwise can help move warm air down and pull cold air up? It’s true, and it can save you from losing all your heated air to lofty ceilings.

Sweep Chimney

clean fireplace with swept chimneyBefore you light a fire in your fireplace, make sure your chimney is clean and clear! Same goes for any heating appliances that burns gas, oil, wood, or coal.

Stock Up

stocking up on winter items to prepare for winterDon’t wait until the first snow falls… make sure you’ve got your shovels and ice melt or salt ready! Tired of shoveling? Start shopping for your snow blower before the rest of the crowd.

Ready for Winter in Cable, WI?

If you’re thinking of buying a home in or relocating to Cable, WI this fall or winter, then it’s time to contact McKinney Realty. We’re here to help you explore the area, discover its beautiful lakes and communities, and find the perfect place for your vacation or year-round home.

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