Hello, December! The most wonderful time of the year is finally here. While many of us think of our homes in the context of decorating this season, there’s so much more to think about. It’s crucial to protect your investment during these times of harsh weather!

Our lovely friends at CW Title and Escrow recently sent out some information for winterizing your home, and we thought it was so helpful, we wanted to pass it along to our friends, family, clients, and colleagues. Take a look below!

• Consider having your furnace professionally cleaned and tuned annually. Replace furnace filters monthly, if needed.

• Repair any leaks in the most common drafty areas: recessed lighting, window and door frames

• and electrical outlets.

• Feeling drafty? Check the attic to make sure you see 10-14 inches of insulation.
  Allow winter's rain and melting snow to properly drain by removing leaves and other debris from your gutters.

• When it snows, monitor your trees for snow load. Even a light snowfall can weigh branches down enough to cause damage to your home. Carefully shake the branches daily if it looks like the snow will stick around.

• Use extensions to your downspouts to divert water so that it runs 3 to 4 feet from your foundation. Check your crawlspace for flooding after the first long rainfall.

• Check your heating ducts and clean out any abundant dust, animal hair and other debris that can gather and cause respiratory issues. Reverse your ceiling fans to force warm air downward, keeping your home more comfortable. Blades should turn clockwise during winter.

• Hang extra window treatments or insulated curtains to keep your home warm. On sunny days use the sun to help warm up.

• Make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor and in the garage. Check the pressure monthly. Check the operation of your smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors.

• Drain and store garden hoses, and add insulation to spigots to prevent freezing. Know how to shut off the water in case pipes burst.

• Cover or store patio furniture. Clean out dryer venting and secure the area, as well as any other outside access points around the perimeter of your home to prevent critters (likely more aggressive during winter) from entering your home.

• If you have a generator, make sure it's been serviced and that it's ready to work if the power goes out. In the event your heating system fails, know where your space heaters are located so you can warm individual rooms until you can get repairs made.

• Arrange ahead of time with a handyman or neighborhood kid to have your driveway and sidewalk cleared in case of snow. Don't wait to purchase ice-melt products, cold weather and emergency supplies. Avoid the rush and long lines by purchasing ahead of time.

• Lastly, winterizing your home includes stocking up the pantry in case you're not able to get out during a storm.

Should you have any questions about winterizing your home and need a list of trusted vendors or recommendations, it would be our pleasure to connect with you! We encourage you to view CW Title’s full brochure by clicking here.

Wishing you and your family a warm, joyful, and safe holiday season!

-Ev & Kimberleigh