Winter is just around the corner and this means getting your home ready. While this is mainly important for those that live in colder climates, many of these tips are useful even if you have a house in the desert. Getting your home ready for winter is actually quite easy and there are ways to save money on it if you are on a tight budget. Keep in mind that the efforts you perform now to winterize your home can pay off in a big way if you can prevent damage from burst pipes.
1. Pick up all the yard junk, hoses and outdoor furniture.
Fall is a great time to get your yard ready for winter, and that means picking up all the little odds and ends that can accumulate throughout the year. Wind up any hoses and drain them of water completely. If you don’t have a garage, you can store these in the basement, once all the water is out. Outdoor furniture should be stored away in winter as well. This will help increase its life span and reduce the risk of having mildew form in chair cushions, or rust damage that can be very common on metal fittings.
2. Wrap up your hot water heater.
This is a great tip that will help you save money on your energy costs. Most hardware stores will sell what they call a hot water heater “blanket.” This is fire resistant material that is wrapped around your water heater to insulate it. By taking this step, you can dramatically reduce your energy bill, especially if you have a propane powered water heater. Given the rising cost of propane, this is a smart choice.
3. Get prepared for an influx of unwanted critters.
You aren’t the only one trying to make sure that your home will be cozy all winter long. This is the time of year that our furry little friends make a mad dash to get inside and set up housekeeping. Unfortunately, many of these creatures, such as mice, also carry diseases that can be deadly. Use hardware mesh around any openings and set humane “quick kill” traps around your house.
4. Seal up your windows.
Weatherstripping as it is commonly called is a great way to get your home winterized and save money on costs. You can get these kits at any hardware store and they are easy to install. Basically, you’ll be sealing your windows with durable plastic sheeting. This cuts down on drafts and lost heat dramatically.
These are just a few simple tips to help you get your home ready for winter. By taking the time to get these tasks done before winter, you’ll be assured of having a warm and cozy home, no matter what the outside temperature may be. Most of these tips can be done on a budget as well. Take a look at your home and see just how many winterization ideas you can come up with today.
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Originally posted 2008-11-26 05:32:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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