Winter Prep Tips You Can Do In The Fall To Protect Your Beacon Home

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Some easy fall prep can really help keep your home protected in the bitter winter months.

Living in Dutchess County has probably gotten you used to what your family might need for the winter months. Big, cozy sweaters, blankets and coats come out, lots of warm-them-up meals to plan, getting the shovels and ice melt out of storage and handy, fireplaces cleaned and wood at-the-ready.

How about your home? Consider what your home needs to keep it running in the cold temps as well. Some simple home strategy in the fall months can help avoid a very costly and inconvenient experience in your Ulster County home this winter. (Think pipes bursting or ice damming, zero fun there.)

Creating a list of to-dos’ around the house before winter comes can be a reliable source that you’ll come to count on and revise over the years with what’s more important or more useful than other things on the list. Important things to include:

-Winter heating costs- It’s a great idea to put some savings aside for unexpected issues like plumbing failures, fireplace problems, heating system malfunctions and pipe issues. While your homeowner’s insurance might be able to help with some costs due to damage, don’t rely on it 100% as there are a ton of variables that are covered and not. Good idea to call your local insurance agent to be clear on what’s covered in case something unexpected happens.

-Windows and doors can equal drafts in the winter, especially in older homes. Don’t forget the basement and check everywhere for drafts and insulate or seal as needed. Put in storm windows and doors if you have them. Weather stripping and door draft stoppers are inexpensive and easy.

-Consider hiring a professional to perform a furnace inspection as well as having the dryer vents and duct work cleaned and to check the fireplace. We recommend these services on a yearly basis.

-Drain any water from outdoor faucets, spigots, hoses and sprinklers. Locate water sources if they need to be shut off in an emergency. Use heat tape on problem pipes inside the home to help prevent them from freezing.

-Use caulking or weather stripping around entry points if any pipes or ducts travel through an exterior wall.

Some solid prep work in the fall can really help in the long and short run of things. Not just peace of mind for safety and security, but for your wallet too.

SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County is here to help in any fire or water damage situation, our experienced and trained crews are here 24/7 for your emergencies. Give us a call whenever you need us, we’re faster to any size disaster!