Staff
As the world and Philly- experience more extreme weather, it has become even more important for homeowners to spend enough time prepping their homes for the changing seasons. As Philly comes off the tail-end of another heatwave and the temperature is expected to drop, there has never been a better time to begin preparing your home for the winter ahead. According to a report by PRNewsWire, homeowners spend more than $9,000 every year on homeownership and maintenance expenses. Getting ahead of your home maintenance must-do list now could mean significant energy savings this winter.
On The Exterior: Clean Your Gutters
As we approach fall and the trees shed their leaves, making sure your gutters are free of debris and impediments can help you avoid further damage to your home’s foundation. A blocked or sagging gutter could overflow. This in turn can cause the development of mold and make it easier for water to enter your home. Once this begins to happen, you risk further damage to your windows, walls, and even your foundation. In addition to clearing your gutters for the winter, keep an eye out for signs of a blocked gutter like plant growth or visible stains on the side of your home. According to estimates, the average cost of cleaning your gutters can be between $30 and $140. However, neglect this key home maintenance task and you could risk paying up to $3,000 to replace your gutters and downspouts.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector And Indoor Appliances
As winter approaches, you and your loved ones will be spending a lot more time indoors. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American spends 93 percent of their life indoors- a significant percentage of that is during the colder months. Now dubbed as the ‘Indoor Generation’, more people are choosing to stay indoors and with the help of technology (like remote working), it is now more possible than ever before. However, if you are going to be spending more time at home this winter, it makes sense to pay extra attention to your home’s interior as you prepare for winter. A good place to start is to ensure all your appliances are serviced and in good working condition. For instance, check that your furnace has had its annual check or that your dryer is in working condition. If there are any issues, this is the time to schedule a visit with a repairman. If you want to plan ahead, getting yourself a home warranty service agreement can save you some cash and provide the security of knowing your appliances repairs are covered for the next year.
For Your Windows: Clean, Reseal or Possibly Replace
Energy efficiency is even more paramount during winter. Gaps in your windows or worn-out sealing could mean valuable heat and energy are escaping from your home- and your energy bills are higher than they need to be. Before the winter weather bears down, make sure your windows are in the best shape. Start with cleaning them so you can identify any deterioration and gaps. If there are gaps in your window frames, you can fill gaps using frame sealant and a handful of tools. Alternatively, if your windows are outdated or beyond repair, it may be time to consider replacing them with energy-efficient windows before the winter hits. It may be an investment upfront, but your energy bills will thank you for it in the future.
These are just the tip of the iceberg. The temperatures can drop during the winters in Philly and by thinking ahead you can save a lot of time, heartache, and cash as a homeowner. The best part is many of these tasks are easily accomplished and if tackled systematically, can help you sleep a lot better at night.