submitted by the Prescott Area Association of REALTORS®
As temperatures drop, taking time to winterize your home can make all the difference not just for your comfort, but for your safety and wallet too. From preventing costly damage to keeping your family healthy, these simple seasonal checks help ensure your home survives the winter without issues.
Start with safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires occur more often in winter than in any other season, and carbon monoxide incidents rise sharply. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to confirm they’re working properly and replace batteries if needed.
Remember to check your fireplaces as well to ensure they are clear of animals or debris.
Manage moisture and air quality. Condensation or frost on windows can signal high indoor humidity. Run bathroom exhaust fans and keep air circulating to prevent mold and moisture buildup.
Proper ventilation also will help your heating system work more efficiently.
Protect your plumbing. Frozen pipes are one of winter’s costliest headaches. Wrap exposed pipes — especially those in attics, basements and crawl spaces — with inexpensive foam pipe insulation to keep them from freezing.
For homes vacant during the winter, turn off the water supply and drain all pipes and toilets. If you don’t drain your pipes, keep your furnace running at 55°F or higher, and open interior doors and cabinets to let warm air circulate around plumbing.
Don’t forget your exterior. Clear walkways regularly and use pet-safe salt to prevent slips and protect paws. Check seals around doors and windows and install weather stripping or door sweeps to block drafts.
Changing your interior curtains from a lightweight material to thermal lined curtains can help retain heat and keep out the chilly weather too.
Use your ceiling fans wisely. In winter, reverse the direction of your ceiling fan to spin clockwise at a low speed. This gentle updraft pushes warm air down, reducing strain on your furnace and trimming your energy bills.
Winterizing your home doesn’t require a big investment, just a few hours of attention and some simple upgrades. With these steps, you’ll stay safer, save energy and enjoy a cozier, worry-free season indoors.
