As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, we know that winter is right around the corner. For homeowners, this change in season often brings concerns about keeping your home safe and warm. But fear not! With a few proactive steps, you can prevent stress and costly insurance claims later on.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
One of the most critical steps in preparing your home for winter is to insulate exposed pipes. Pipes in basements or exterior walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing and bursting, which can cause significant damage to your home. Simply wrapping these pipes with insulation available at most hardware stores can help prevent such catastrophes.
Update Smart Thermostat Settings
If you have a smart thermostat, make sure to update its settings for the winter. Modern models can adjust automatically to reduce energy waste, which is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. A comfortable setting is between 68°F and 70°F while you’re home, optimizing heat use without overloading your system.
Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Despite being a classic tip, sealing gaps around windows and doors remains one of the most effective ways to retain heat and reduce energy bills. Use weatherstripping or caulk to fill any cracks — it’s a quick and easy fix that keeps the cold out and the warmth in.
Clear and Check Solar Panels
For homes with solar panels, winter maintenance is essential. Activate winter modes if available, and regularly clear snow post-storms to maintain their efficiency. This ensures that your panels continue generating energy even during cooler months.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can cause water to back up and damage your roof. Before heavy snow begins to fall, make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris to avoid these issues.
Schedule a Heating System Checkup
A surprise breakdown in your heating system during a cold snap can be highly inconvenient. We recommend scheduling an annual inspection with a professional to ensure everything is running smoothly and efficiently.
Document Your Home Digitally
It’s a good practice to create a digital walkthrough of your home using a smartphone. Documenting your home and valuables now will streamline potential insurance claims should any damage occur during the winter.
Boost Indoor Air Quality
Winter means more time indoors, so it's important to maintain good air quality. Consider using HEPA filters to remove viruses and particles, or MERV 13+ filters to tackle dust and allergens in your HVAC system or portable air units.
Taking even a few of these steps can make all the difference in protecting your home this winter. Stay proactive, and remember, it’s never too late to get started. We also encourage you to review your homeowners insurance policy with us, especially if you're unsure about what's covered during winter weather events.
