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September
23
23
Tips to Ready Your Home for the Coming Cold
As the weather turns colder, it's time to get your home ready for winter. There are several precautions to take to prevent things like roof leaks, frozen pipes, or high energy bills. However, it may be difficult to know where to start if you've just moved in and haven't gone through the process before. Here are a few tips for getting Bergen County homes for sale ready for the coming cold.
- Winterize Pipes. Start by disconnecting any hoses and storing them in the garage or shed. Then, shut off the water to your outdoor pipes and drain the spigots. For inside pipes, wrap the exposed portions in cloth or newspaper for insulation. You can also invest in heating tape or foam tubing from your local hardware store.
- Inspect HVAC. Before the weather turns cold, it's important to ensure your furnace is working properly and won't break down in the middle of a cold snap or run your energy bills through the roof. That's why scheduling an annual tuneup in early fall is important before temperatures start dropping. Your HVAC technician will examine your system, replace any failing parts or faulty wires, tighten the screws, lubricate the motor, and look for any issues that could grow into larger problems later. They'll also check your thermostat settings to ensure you have the best comfort for the least energy expenditure.
- Seal Leaks. The most efficient HVAC system won't help if the warm air can't reach your home or if it leaks out. That's why it's important to look for air leaks. First, check your ducts. Pinhole leaks in ductwork can cause energy losses of up to 30%. Seal them with metal tape or mastic sealant. Then conduct a home energy audit, to see where air is leaking in your home. Common leak sources include around door and window frames, behind light switches and electrical outlets, and at your baseboards. Call a professional to seal them up, keeping the good air in and the bad air out.
- Install Insulation. The other way to keep heat in your home longer is to make sure it's properly insulated. Heat rises, so start with your attic. Even if you already have insulation, it may not be enough as it settles over the years. Check to see that it comes up past the joists. If not, you'll need more. If you're not sure what kind you need, talk to a contractor who can help you determine and install the best option for you.
- Clean Gutters. If water pools in your gutters, it can cause ice dams, leading to leaks and other damage. Once the autumn leaves have fallen, get a ladder and clear out all the leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris that are clogging your gutters, so water can flow through them freely.
- Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors. If you have a gas furnace, it's essential that you have working CO detectors on every floor of Rockland County homes for sale to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning. Go around to each detector and press the button to make sure it beeps. If it doesn't, replace the batteries. If that doesn't help, or if you don't have enough detectors, have more installed. You should replace the batteries in all detectors every six months and the detectors themselves every five to seven years.
Our real estate agents can help you find a home that meets all your needs. Keeping it well-maintained and efficient through the seasons is up to you. Contact us to start looking for a home you'll want to take care of for years to come.
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