Winter weather has arrived early in Metro Detroit, with the first snow of the season a few days ago.
Whether ready or not, now is the time to start protecting your home for the cold months ahead.
Taking steps to prepare your home before winter sets in can save you money and prevent costly damage.
“Getting out ahead of winter could save you a lot of money on your energy bills and in the form of preventable repairs. The classic example is a burst pipe,” said Paul Hope, with Consumer Reports. “It may only be a few bucks to protect it now, but if you don’t do it, you may end up with a repair that can cost thousands later on in the winter.”
To avoid this, homeowners should insulate any exposed copper or PVC pipes in basements, under sinks, attics, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls.
While checking these areas, also assess your insulation.
“Insulating your attic can help you save money in two crucial ways. The first and most obvious is that it’s gonna keep the heat in living quarters where it belongs, and you’re not going to be wasting money heating an attic,” Hope said. “The second is that it can actually prevent ice dams from forming on your roof, which can lead to costly repairs.”
Next, schedule service appointments for your chimney, furnace, or boiler. Getting these inspected and serviced before colder weather ensures they run efficiently and safely.
After protecting the inside of your home, turn your attention outside. Inspect your roof for loose shingles, clean clogged gutters, and check the trees around your property. Winter wind, rain, and snow can cause damage if these areas aren’t properly maintained.
Consumer Reports recommends hiring a professional to inspect and make any necessary repairs to safeguard your home.
With these preparations, you can enjoy the winter elements from the comfort of a home that’s ready for the season.
More: Consumer Reports