If you haven’t winterized your house yet, you should do it as soon as possible. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can damage your home in numerous ways and can put your family’s health and safety at risk. 

Here are a few simple but important tasks to get ready for winter.

Figure out Where You’re Wasting Energy

A home energy audit can identify areas where your home is losing heat. For example, gaps around windows and doors are responsible for significant amounts of heat loss in the winter. Some simple and inexpensive fixes may lead to substantial savings on your energy bills.

Service Your HVAC System

Having your furnace fail in the winter can be a nightmare. A cold house can be unpleasant, and possibly even deadly. Cold temperatures can also cause pipes to burst, which can lead to flooding, property damage, and mold. 

Make sure your furnace is ready for winter. The filter should be changed once a month. If you haven’t replaced the filter recently, doing so can help the furnace operate more efficiently. You should also have your HVAC system inspected and serviced on a regular basis. If you’re due for an inspection, schedule one as soon as possible.

Clean the Gutters

Gutters carry rain and melted snow away from your house to prevent damage to the roof, siding, and foundation. If the gutters are clogged with wet leaves, pine needles, acorns, and other types of debris, they can’t do their job. 

In the winter, ice dams can form if water can’t drain through the gutters. The weight of ice can damage the roof and gutters. In some cases, the gutters can fall down. If ice falls, it can injure people and pets and can damage landscaping, outdoor furniture, and vehicles. 

If you didn’t clean your gutters in the fall, take care of it soon. If you can’t do it yourself or don’t have the time, hire a professional who can also conduct a gutter inspection and make any needed repairs.

Prepare Your Home’s Exterior for Winter

Tree branches that hang over the roof can fall on it during a winter storm. Have them trimmed to prevent damage to your house. You should also have a professional get rid of any dead or diseased limbs, or possibly cut down entire trees if they’re at risk of falling in severe weather. 

Keep your home protected. Schedule an appointment to speak with an agent at Petruzelo Insurance to discuss your coverages today!