7 Home Improvements You Need to Consider Before Winter Arrives

With winter just around the corner, it's critical to make sure you and your home are ready. Here are some helpful hints for preparing your family's house for the holiday season.

Check Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

Scented candles and roaring flames are synonymous with the holiday season. While these are beautiful additions to winter, check sure your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are operational and have new batteries. Updating smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every ten to seven years gets recommended.

Set up an Alarm System

Having an alarm system in place can help secure you and your house during the holidays, whether you plan to vacation or deliver goods. Motion sensor cameras, for example, can catch "porch pirates" inaction or a prospective burglary in the process while you are away.

Inspect Your Fireplace and Heating Systems

Depending on the temperature outside and the outage length, being without a heat source can be inconvenient or life-threatening. Before you light your first fire, have a professional assess the fireplace to verify the masonry and flue. Another thing to look for are bottlenecks that could allow smoke or fire to back up into the house. The heating system needs to get examined as well. Remember to change the filter, make sure the thermostat is working correctly, and no leaks anywhere along the gas or oil lines.

Seal Up Any Drafty Areas

Heating expenditures can be driven up by drafts from under doors, around windows, and even gaps in the walls. A simple draft stopper on the door can help you save money on your heating bills. Furthermore, weather sealing tape can assist in maintaining a tight seal on windows and any other breaches around the property.

Check The Exterior of Your Home

Before the snow and icefall, get up on your roof and inspect it for loose or missing shingles, signs of damage, or spots that require patching. It will be tough to do the essential repairs while waiting for the first snowfall. Next, look for any debris in the gutters. This will prevent the occurrence known as ice damming. When the ice inside the channels freezes, it can cause direct or indirect damage to your gutters or the home as it thaws and refreezes. Finally, make careful to turn off all outside faucets.

Trim the Trees and Clear Away Foliage

Now is the time to evaluate the property for overgrown trees or trees that appear to be nearing the end of their life span. If a snow or ice storm strikes, these trees will be the most vulnerable. Furthermore, if these branches are near electricity lines, you may be left without lights or power. Dig up any bulbs and store them in a cold, dry area for replanting in the spring.

Prepare for a Power Outage

Make sure to plan ahead of time if you reside in a region prone to power disruptions. This includes having enough water, flashlight batteries, and considering purchasing a generator if you want to be extra prepared, which allows you to power your lights and heat for short periods. Also, have many canned items on your hands, such as beans, tuna, peanut butter, and vegetables, to help you get through a few days without power. 

At first, preparing for winter may appear time-consuming and unneeded, but you will quickly learn that a small amount of time and work may save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It will also help you sleep better at night because you will know that you and your family are resting comfortably and safely in your own house.