4 Ways to Effectively Winterize Your Home

Cold weather is fast approaching, which means it is time to get your home ready for the cold temperatures and wintry weather conditions that are ahead. “Old Man Winter” is just around the corner and you don't want to become a victim. Here are four tips for winterizing your home the right way:

1. Insulate All of Your Pipes.

You may think this is common sense, but you'd be surprised at how many people actually forget this step when preparing their home for the winter. Insulating your pipes will help keep water heating costs at a minimum while protecting pipes from freezing and busting – which is something you never want to experience. You can visit your local hardware store and purchase pre-cut insulating foam for your pipes and secure in place on your pipes with some duct tape.

2. Trim Your Tree Branches.

During the winter, ice and snow are two of your major hazards. The snow and ice will accumulate and build up on your tree branches causing them to buckle and fall onto your roof or power lines, which will create major problems for you. Inspect your trees and if there are any limbs hanging over the roof of your home or nearby power lines, it is a good time to have this limbs removed by a professional.

3. Clean Out the Chimney.

Your chimney is important, as it removes the toxins from your home's air. However, the debris and build-up of these gases can lead to a chimney fire. This can be disastrous to your entire home and the safety of your family. It is important to have your chimney cleaned by a professional before the weather gets cold to avoid a winter fire.

4. Conserve Energy and Heat.

Your home loses as much as 30 percent of its heat due to drafts. Therefore, you need to make sure that your windows and doors are properly weatherstripped and caulked. You could also consider placing window film on your windows to help keep the heat in. Don't forget to also keep your ceiling fans in reverse to keep the hot air flowing through the room.

While some of this can be done on your own, you may not feel comfortable doing all the aforementioned tasks. If that is the case, contact a contractor in your area who would be more than happy to provide assistance in your time of need.