Winterizing Your Home For the Winter Months

According to the 2021-22 Farmers’ almanac, this winter’s forecast for the Southeastern United States is “quite chilly with a mixed bag of precipitation.” So that means it could include rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Grabbing milk and bread could be in the forecast for this winter. Other than getting bread and milk, how else can you get your home ready for this “possible mixed bag” this winter? Here are a few ideas to get your home winter-ready.

First-time homeowners: don’t panic, you made it to the closing table. You have got this!

Start outside. Do a walk around your house. Clean out your gutters and make sure to cut away any tree branches that overhang your house.

Check windows and doors to make sure that the weatherstripping is secure and check for gaps where air can leak through.

Replace the missing weatherstripping or add caulk to fill in the gaps.

Protect your pipes and waterlines making sure to insulate those that could be susceptible to freezing. When severe temperatures happen, keep a small stream of water running in a few faucets to help prevent freezing and bursting pipes. Go ahead and store the garden hose. Shut off the outside valves and insulate the faucet.

Have your heating checked as well. Furnaces, boilers, and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year.