Home Tips for Winter

You can’’t stop cold weather from coming, but you CAN keep it outdoors where it belongs. With a little know-how and motivation, anyone can keep their home warm, dry and healthy all winter long.

Winter Risks That Threaten Every Home

You’’ll be glad to know there are dozens of easy and affordable ways to ensure a healthy home throughout the winter months – you can get most of them done over a weekend! Before we get into preventive measures, it’’s a good idea to know exactly what you’re up against. Here are some of the most common ways winter problems can creep into your house:

• Safety hazards from heating systems or appliances that are overdue for servicing
• Physical damage from water or weather extremes like wind, hail or freezing
• Mold, allergens and air contamination spreading through ductwork
• Expensive energy loss in the form of drafts and air leaks
• Losses due to holiday travel or entertaining like fire and burglary

Easy Steps to a Safe and Comfortable Winter

Why is it worth a little DIY effort now? Authoritative sources like the ISO say that average property damage from winter storms runs as high as $1.3 billion a year. The Insurance Information Institute lists wind, hail, water and freezing among the most commonly reported causes of winter losses. A few inexpensive sealing materials and minor repairs can save you big bucks later and ensure a cozy winter.

1.    Have your heating system and major gas or electrical appliances inspected and serviced by a qualified professional. Most safety problems can be easily detected and prevented. It’’s especially important to be sure that fireplaces and chimneys are clean to avoid smoke and fire danger.

2.    Walk your property inside and out and check for water leaks or cracks where water can enter your home. Disconnect outdoor hoses and caulk or insulate exposed pipes. Inspect the roof and repair or replace loose shingles. Make sure that your gutters are in good repair and free of debris.

3.    Home automation devices can slash your winter energy bills, but there are plenty of other low-tech ways to save money. Be sure that all your doors, windows and wall outlets are properly sealed. Reverse your ceiling fans to circulate warm air and check your attic insulation.

4.    Air quality is especially important when you’’re heating a tightly sealed home in the winter. Clean or replace air filters, have your ducts professionally cleaned, test your smoke detectors and consider installing a carbon monoxide detector. Also inspect all gas piping.

5.    Fluctuating temperatures can also add stress to structural elements of your home. Look for cracks in concrete and masonry where water might freeze and expand. Also be sure outdoor steps and handrails are safe.

6.    If winter freeze warnings are common where you live, make sure all exposed pipes are well insulated. It’’s the pressure buildup, not the ice, that causes pipes to burst. If you suspect frozen pipes, shut off the water main immediately. Consider installing an emergency pressure release valve.

7.    Let your neighbors know if you plan to be away for the holidays and where to find shutoff valves and switches in an emergency. Thieves also use signs like holiday packages on the porch to spot vacant homes that are vulnerable. Ask your friends to take them in for you.

8.    Have any basement appliances and HVAC equipment professionally inspected and serviced. Check the entire basement area carefully for discoloration, leaks and cracks. Pay particular attention to water, gas and electrical connections to be sure they’’re all clean and tight.

Of course, it probably goes without saying that fire danger is also higher around the holiday season, so be extra careful with candles and open flames as you celebrate.