With little time left in the autumn season, now is a good time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Your electricity bill and your family’s safety are affected by the condition of your home in the winter. Follow these quick tips to make sure your home is ready for cold weather:

Clean your gutters – Fallen leaves and other debris from the autumn months could clog up your gutters. Not only can clogged gutters decrease efficiency; they can also create an ice dam on your roof during freezing temperatures. Watch this video to learn more.

Seal cracks around doors and windows – Cracks around doors and windows in your home could be letting cold air in and warm air out. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal the openings. Check out this video for some easy tips.

Give your furnace a tune-up – Sediment buildup can cause your heating system to work less efficiently and become a fire hazard. Cleaning your furnace annually helps prevent this. Also, remember that dirty filters have the potential to decrease airflow and energy efficiency, so make sure to change those regularly. For detailed instructions on cleaning your furnace, click here.

Prevent plumbing problems – Frozen pipes can be a nightmare. If you have exposed pipes in areas such as a crawlspace, attic or outside walls, ensure they are covered with insulation to keep them from freezing. Click here for a tutorial on how to avoid frozen pipes.

Even simple preparations for your home can make a big difference in energy costs and sustainability. I have trusted industry partners who are able and willing to help you winterize your home.

Call me today. I would love to refer you to someone great who can help protect your home from the damage of the colder months. If you are looking for ways to save money each month, now may be the perfect opportunity to get a mortgage checkup and see if a refinance could help you. Let’s plan to talk soon!