Cold and snow can not only damage your home’s structure, but it can also wreak havoc on your utility bills. To avoid high energy bills and expensive repairs, homeowners should take steps to winterize their homes each year. For those visiting Vermont and New Hampshire for the first time, first time homeowner, you may be wondering what it takes to winterize your home. At Union Bank, we encourage our team to prepare an annual report. Home winterization checklist. The following tips will help you create a winterization checklist that covers your home from roof to basement.
When should you winterize your home?
Start checking off tasks from your cold weather checklist at the beginning of fall to prepare for the colder days ahead. From how to winterize your home’s water pipes to building a winter storm emergency kit, here are top tips for winterizing your home in Vermont and northwestern New Hampshire.
important tips make your home winter-like
Find and seal air leaks
Cold air can enter your home through gaps in windows, doors, and even electrical outlets. Drafts also make it easier for heat to escape, increasing the burden on the heater and increasing utility costs. Inspect your home for drafts and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. You can easily spot drafts by walking around with a lit candle. When placing candles near the edge of a window or door, watch for flickering flames. If the flame flickers or goes out, seal the draft with caulk or replace the weatherstripping.
prepare the pipe
Frozen pipes that burst in the winter can cause serious water damage and costly repairs. Fortunately, preparing your pipes is an inexpensive way to winterize your home. If you’re wondering how to winterize your home’s water pipes, start outside. Outdoor plumbing is especially susceptible to freezing, so be sure to disconnect all garden hoses and store them until spring. Cover outdoor faucets to protect them from the cold and blow out sprinkler systems to remove residual water that could freeze. Do you know where the main power valve in your home is? In an emergency, quickly reaching a power outage for your entire home can prevent extensive damage.
Adjust the heating system
We recommend that you perform maintenance on your heating system each year before the cold season arrives, ideally in late summer or early fall. Have a professional inspect your system to identify any issues that could be causing your heating to malfunction this winter. Don’t forget to change the filter to keep your system running efficiently all year round. Also, consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature of your home while you’re away or asleep.
Chimney and fireplace maintenance
If your home has a fireplace or wood stove with a chimney, it should be inspected and cleaned annually. If you start using it this winter, chimney buildup can cause fire and smoke damage. Chimney sweeps will check for natural blockages such as build-up and bird nests, and ensure that your heating system is in good condition for use. If you have a chimney that is no longer in use, inflate a chimney balloon to block airflow and keep the cold out this season.
Cleaning gutters and downspouts
Cleaning your gutters is one of the last steps to winterize your home, as you should wait until the last leaves fall. As fall’s beauty fades, you’ll find its remnants stuck in your gutters and downspouts. Leaves and debris can block the flow of water, allowing melted snow to back up and enter your home. Gutters play an important role in directing water away from your roof and foundation and protecting your home from damage caused by snow and ice. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning your gutters on your own, hire someone to help clean your gutter system and prepare it for the first snow of winter.
Inspect the roof and attic
It’s easy to go about your daily life without thinking too much about your roof or attic. When winter arrives, the top of your home acts as your first line of defense from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Check your roof for missing shingles or damage that could allow water to enter your home. Patch insulation in your attic to retain heat and prevent drafts. Leaks in your roof or attic often go unnoticed until the damage is extensive. Avoid trouble this winter by thoroughly inspecting your roof and attic before the cold weather arrives.
Invest in energy efficient updates
Older model windows, doors, and insulation are no match for the cold winter climate of Vermont and New Hampshire. Fortunately, both states offer energy efficiency rebate programs to help offset the cost of upgrades for many homes, including: buy a smart thermostat or Switching to electric heat pump. Explore the wide range of opportunities these rebate programs offer through the following websites:
cut back branches
Ice and snow add weight to tree branches, which can cause them to break or fall during the winter. If a tree grows enough to overhang your home or driveway, it can cause problems for your roof, windows, and vehicles. Strong winter winds can also cause branches to slam against your home, damaging your siding. Take a walk around your property and look for trees that pose a threat this winter. If you can’t remove the branches yourself, schedule an appointment to have a professional cut the dangerous branches before winter.
Store and inspect seasonal tools
As the seasons change, so do your lawn and garden supplies needs. Once the warm weather settles in, clean your lawn mower, trimmer, and other garden tools and store them until spring. Next, organize and inspect your winter tools to make sure they are in good condition and have enough oil or gas to function properly. Snow blowers and shovels should be easily accessible and ready for use before winter sets in.
Stock up on winter essentials
When inspecting your winter gear, check your shed or garage for salt, sand, or other deicers. If you think you need to buy more this winter, stock up now. Power outages are not uncommon in windy, cold weather. Carry extra batteries and flashlights, and consider purchasing a generator in case of winter power outages.
Create a winter emergency kit
If an ice storm knocks out power lines this winter, will you have enough food, water, and warmth to survive several days without electricity? A good winter emergency kit includes nonperishable food, drinking water, and supplies Includes medical supplies, blankets, fire starting supplies, and other emergency storm survival essentials. For more ideas, see tips from the National Weather Service. What to prepare for severe winter storms.
From preparation to peace of mind
At Union Bank, our team lives and works in your community, right in your home in Fairfax, Hardwick, Jeffersonville, Jericho, Lyndonville, Morrisville, St. Johnsbury, Stowe, Williston, or Littleton. We will help you with tips on how to protect yourself from the cold. We know firsthand that winterizing your home takes planning, time, and money.
If you have more winterization projects to do this year, consider a home equity loan to cover the cost of repairs needed to protect your home from snow and ice. phone or Visit your local Vermont or New Hampshire branch check if Home equity loan from Union Bank can work for you. Protecting your home from winter damage will save you money on seasonal energy costs and increase your home’s overall value. Don’t let your guard down this winter. Create a winterization checklist for your home today.
