As all of you know, Thanksgiving is right around the corner and that means that winter is basically here.  There are many things that must be done to get your house ready for winter.  If you properly prepare your house for winter, you and your family will be able to enjoy all that winter has to offer without worrying about getting cold inside.

  • house in snowHave someone out to your house to check your HVAC system  is a good idea.  You want to make sure you stay nice and cozy warm during the winter and that your heating system doesn’t go on the fritz during the coldest months of the year.  Typically you should have your HVAC system checked twice a year; right before summer and right before winter.
  • Go up into your attic to make sure you have adequate insulation.  This is especially important if you have just purchased a house.  If the home you have purchased is an older home you may have to add a bit more insulation or replace what has been there for years to get optimal benefit from it. It is currently recommended to have at least a 16 inch depth of blown insulation in the attic. Fiberglass bats should be between R-49 and R-60.
  • It’s also a good idea to have your duct work checked.  If the home you have just purchased had a lot of pet’s living inside previously you will likely have to have your duct worked cleaned so that your air system works properly.  You will also want to check for mold (especially if there is or you use a duct mounted humidifier) so that you and your family will be able to breathe easily. 
  • Purchase some draft dodgers for your doors and windows before winter starts.  You may be surprised at just how much cool air these crafty little things can keep out of your home and how much they can help with your heating bill.  You can purchase draft dodgers at most stores or you can even make them yourself with some fabric and beans. 
  • Pull your space heaters out of the attic and put them to use.  They will help a lot with your heating bill as well and can be used in whatever room you wish.
  • Winterize your outside faucets. Sometimes that means shutting the water line off inside and then opening the outside faucet to drain them. Newer designs are easier to winterize but no matter what the design is, NEVER leave a hose attached to the faucet in winter.
  • Once the leaves are down, either clean your gutters or have your gutters cleaned. Most landscaping companies will clean gutters at this time of year.
  • If you have a car that you don't use much, make sure to fully charge the battery. Batteries loose 1% of their charge every day and a battery with low charge can easily freeze - which ruins the battery.
  • If you feel you would like a recommendation of a local contractor/handyman to help with any of these chores, please feel free to call or email me, Tucker Robbins. (302) 777-7744 or Tucker@RobbinsRealEstate.com 

The days that the cold air starts to take the place of the much warmer days of fall are here.  Do your part to make sure your family stays warm this winter by getting your house ready for the cold months ahead.  I am sure your family will be happy you took the time to make sure they are comfortable and your home will be a much happier place as a result. 

Information courtesy of Wilmington Real Estate Expert Tucker Robbins.