5 Ways to Keep Your Home in Tip-Top Shape This Winter
Winter can be a difficult time for your home. The cold weather takes its toll on your home’s exterior and interior. If you want to keep your home in tip-top shape this winter, you can do a few things. By following the following five tips, you’ll be sure to keep your home in great shape all winter long.
This article will teach you about five ways to keep your home in tip-top shape this winter.
Inspect your attic insulation
Most people think of their attic as a dusty, dark place where they store holiday decorations and old boxes of clothes. But your attic can be one of the most important rooms in your house regarding energy efficiency.
Attic insulation is essential for keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Without adequate insulation, your heating and cooling costs will soar as you strive to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Luckily, it’s relatively easy to check your attic insulation and make sure it’s up to par. Once a year, take a walk around your attic and look for any areas where sunlight is streaming through. These are called “heat leaks,” and they indicate that your insulation is insufficient.
Using a ruler or tape measure, you can also check the depth of your insulation. In general, you should have at least 12 inches of insulation in your attic. If you don’t, it’s time to add more. Not only will this save you money on energy costs, but it will also help to keep your home more comfortable year-round.
Clean your chimney and fireplace
Many people begin to think about lighting their fireplaces as the weather gets colder. But before you can enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire, it’s essential to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are clean.
A build-up of soot and ash can lead to a dangerous chimney fire, so it’s crucial to sweep your chimney on a regular basis. You should also inspect your fireplace for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the bricks or a loose damper. And when it comes time to light your fire, be sure to use dry, well-seasoned wood to help prevent smoke and creosote build-up.
These simple precautions allow you to enjoy your fireplace all winter long—safely and responsibly.
Check for drafts around exterior doors
It’s that time of year again! Time to start thinking about bundling up and staying warm.
One way to make sure your home is cozy and draft-free is to check for drafts around exterior doors.
Start by closing the door and then running your hand along the edge of the door. If you feel any cool air coming through, there’s a good chance you have a draft.
To fix the problem, simply caulk or weatherstrip the door. This will help to seal off any gaps and keep the warm air inside where it belongs.
So don’t wait. Get started today and make sure your home is ready for winter!
Put a few indoor and outdoor lights on timers
One way to make your home more energy-efficient is to put a few indoor and outdoor lights on timers. This way, you won’t have to remember to turn the lights off when you leave the room or house, and you can save on your electric bill.
You can also set the timers so that the lights come on just before you get home, so you don’t have to fumble around in the dark.
In addition, timed lights can add an extra layer of security to your home by making it look occupied even when you’re away.
So if you’re looking for a simple way to save energy and money, put some lights on timers today.
Consider a security or doorbell camera
A security or doorbell camera can provide you with peace of mind when it comes to the safety of your home.
With this type of camera, you can see who is at your doorstep before opening the door, and you can also view footage of any activity that takes place around your property. This can be especially helpful if there is ever an incident, as you will have evidence that can be used to identify any suspects.
Additionally, security cameras can deter criminals from targeting your home in the first place, as they know that they are more likely to be caught on film.
Whether you live in a high-crime area or simply want an extra layer of protection for your family, a security camera is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
As the weather begins to cool down, it’s important to take some time to prepare your home for winter.
Check for drafts, clean your chimney and fireplace, put lights on timers, and consider installing a security camera.
And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, @okchomeseller, for more tips on how to make your home energy-efficient!
Luxury Specialist at McGraw Realtors
With a diverse background, including a career as an Air Force fighter pilot and entrepreneurship, Bill transitioned to real estate in 1995. Co-founding Paradigm Realty with his wife, Charlene, he quickly rose to prominence in Oklahoma City’s luxury real estate scene. Now, as one of the top agents with annual sales surpassing $20 million, Bill’s dedication to exceptional service remains unparalleled. With a legacy spanning over two decades in the industry, Bill’s expertise and commitment make him a trusted name in luxury real estate.