Though Tennesseans are fortunate to have mild winters, we still experience below-freezing temperatures and unpleasant weather like sleet, snow, and ice. Winterizing your home in the fall is one of the best ways to protect your investment. Follow this advice to keep your house and family safe all winter.
Home Winterization Tips
It’s easy to forget some of the many steps you can take to winterize, so we’ve put together this list of things you should do to get your home ready for this winter.
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
The best thing you can do to prevent a potentially costly repair bill is to have a professional inspect your home’s heating system before cold weather arrives. The idea behind preventive seasonal maintenance is catching and making small fixes before they snowball into problems that require major repairs or a total heater replacement.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters can quickly become clogged with falling leaves, which can cause indoor and outdoor water damage and ice buildup in the winter. Clearing your gutters will allow them to direct water away from your home for best results.
Change Your Air Filters
Dirty or blocked air filters prevent airflow and force your HVAC to work harder. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your air filters every three months, but you may want to do this quick DIY maintenance task more frequently if you have pets or anyone in your family has allergies.
Fix Cracks in Your Driveway
Fall is an ideal time to repair cracked paving because cracks can expand in the winter due to freezing moisture.
Test Smoke Detectors
There is a higher risk of house fires in winter, so check all your smoke detectors and replace batteries as needed. You should also consider installing a carbon monoxide detector to keep your family safe from this toxic gas.
Fertilize Your Lawn
Fall fertilizer helps your grass regenerate roots lost to hot, humid, and dry summer weather. Fertilizing now prepares your lawn to combat the frigid winter conditions that lie ahead.
Drain Outdoor Faucets
Burst pipes are a homeowner’s nightmare. To avoid this, remove all garden hoses and sprinklers attached to your house, drain them and store them indoors. Insulate the faucets to keep them from freezing.
Seal Doors and Windows
Check for any drafts around your doors and windows, sealing them with caulk and weatherstripping as necessary. This step can help make your home more energy-efficient, while saving money on your utility bills by allowing less warm air to escape.
Switch Your Ceiling Fan Direction
Find the direction switch on your ceiling fans and turn them counter-clockwise. Doing so will redirect warm air down instead of moving cold air throughout the room.
This Fall, Invest in a Property That’s Uniquely Yours
At Legacy South, we design functional homes that provide an ideal setting for you to enjoy life’s finest moments. Intentional craftsmanship and a commitment to high-quality materials are the values that guide our company, allowing us to create communities that are part of the fabric of Middle Tennessee. Connect with our team to learn more about what sets us apart as Nashville’s finest homebuilders.
