Keep the Cold Out of Your Home this Winter

Keep the Cold Out with these 4 Tips

1. Protect Your Pipes

Water expands as it freezes which can cause your pipes to crack and burst causing a lot of damage.  Take a few steps to winterize your pipes and avoid a potentially catastrophic event.

• Drain water from outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems to keep those pipes from freezing
• Disconnect and store outdoor hoses; cover outdoor faucets with foam insulators
• Protect water pipes that run through unheated areas of your home with insulation, such as the attic, basement, or garage

2. Change Your Heat Filter

Change your furnace filter at the start of the season and then every two to four months after.  Filters get dirty much more quickly if your home is dusty or if you have furry or feathery pets.

• Clogged or dirty filters are less efficient, which means your home might not warm up properly
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat that can save you money by programing it to be warmer when you return home or get up on cold winter mornings

3.  Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney

      Before you light up that first log, make sure your fireplace and chimney are clean and critter-free

•         Keep your home’s warm air from escaping out the chimney when you’re not using it by keeping the flue closed and you shouldn’t be able to feel any cold air coming down the chimney
•             You can also install glass fireplace doors or a chimney inflatable that blocks cold air from coming down the chimney and keeps in warm air

4. Seal Windows and Doors 

Gaps around windows and doors can make it tough to keep your house warm in winter.  Caulk around windows and install weather stripping around doors as needed. This minor and inexpensive task can help you save on heating costs.