See how preventive winter maintenance keeps your home running smoothly, saves money and avoids hassle.

If you’re a first-time homeowner you might not be aware of how important preventive winterizing is for keeping your home running smoothly. Follow these tips to get your home ready for the cold months—they’ll save money in the long run and help avoid hassles.

Keep gutters clear

Backed up gutters lead to ice dams and ice dams can lead to costly roof damage and possible damage to interior walls. Clear autumn leaves and other debris from gutters so melted snow and ice can travel away from your roof.

Prepare for snow and ice before it arrives

Have a snow shovel, sand and de-icers on hand before the snow flies.

When using de-icers, keep in mind that sodium chloride can corrode metal and concrete and injure or kill plants. De-icers made with calcium chloride or magnesium chloride are safer for plants.

While de-icers are a convenient a way to address icy sidewalks and steps, when temperatures dip below 10° F, salt loses its ability to melt ice. Magnesium chloride de-icers work at temps as low as -20° F, however, their cost is triple that of salt. Keep sand on hand for periods of bitter cold and to stretch your budget.

Disconnect hoses

Make sure all hoses are disconnected.

Locate turnoff valves to each spigot and turn them off. Homes with freeze-proof spigots may not have turn-off valves.

If you have a valve to cut the water supply to outside spigots, leave the spigot open; this allows any remaining water in the line space to expand when it freezes. (In the spring, close the spigot before turning the water supply on.)

Have the HVAC checked and replace filters

A scheduled furnace check can identify and remedy problems before your furnace fails and leaves you shivering and your pipes freezing.

Also, to keep your furnace running efficiently and the air you breathe cleaner, replace the filter once a month.

Have the chimney inspected and cleaned

It’s easy but risky to overlook chimney cleaning. Call in a chimney sweep at least once a year to clean out creosote and soot. A buildup of these substances prevents proper venting of smoke to the outside and could lead to carbon monoxide and toxic fumes filling the air inside your home. Plus, it could lead to a house fire.

A chimney inspection will include an evaluation of the chimney cap’s condition. The cap is vital for keeping out hazards like rain, snow, leaves and twigs as well as animals and birds. Also, a properly maintained chimney cap contains sparks that could lead to a roof fire.

Reverse ceiling fan directions

Ceiling fans help push warm air down when they turn clockwise at a low speed. Look for a switch on the cylindrical housing just below where the blades are attached or change the setting with the remote control.

In case of a deep freeze

The combination of poorly insulated walls and arctic air have led to many burst pipes due to the expansion of freezing water. If you notice that the cabinets under your sinks tend to be cold, take precautions during deep freezes. Allow faucets to drip to keep the water moving; ensure that the dripping water comes from both the hot and cold water supply lines.

When unexpected home expenses come up

A common budget guideline for homeowners is to set aside an amount equal to at least 1% of your home’s value for maintenance. Sometimes in the course of routine winterizing, you may be faced with a major unexpected cost, like replacing a furnace. If your regular budget doesn’t cover the cost, a home equity loan can provide the funds you need at lower cost than a credit card.

 

All loans subject to approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change and may vary based on credit worthiness, qualifications, and collateral conditions. Federally Insured by NCUA