With years of experience in home improvement and repairs, Hariah Hutkowski has discovered the best ways to effectively and affordably weatherproof your home.
As winter comes forth you better start thinking of using your time wisely before the cold sets in and the holidays eat up your time. Here are a few tips from Hariah Hutkowski you can use to save some money and keep your home prepared for uncertain weather conditions.
1. Test your heating system! There is nothing like turning it on when you think you need it and then it is not working. Clean your chimneys now if you have a woodstove or hearth and test the flue for a tight seal when closed.
2. Weatherproof (or replace if really bad) your windows and doors. This just may be the biggest cost saving you can do.
3. Disconnect all your hoses and water supplies. You may even want to turn off the valve inside the house.
4. Give your deck a fresh coat of sealer.
5. Replace your furnace filter.
6. Clear your downspouts and gutters.
7. Fix any items on the outside of your home such as singles, gutters, or lights (replacing bulbs or the fixture if needed).
8. Get an energy audit which is usually free from your local utility company or other consortiums that offer them. (Home inspector’s can also perform an audit with a little more depth!)
9. Cover any holes behind electrical covers. They sell covers that can be easily installed behind the plate.
10. Make sure your insulation in the attic and/or basement is sufficient and make sure you insulate the attic door too.
Once you get through this list you can always speak to a home improvement professional to learn what else may be helpful for your home. Happy fall maintenance and winterization!
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