Home Winterizing

Winter is in full swing in West Michigan with freezing temperatures & inches upon inches of snowfall! It is never too late to make sure your home is prepared to handle the weather. Here are some tips on how to prepare your home for winter and even save you a bit of money on utilities in the meantime.

1. Tree Branches – With the snow coming down, tree branches can become heavy due to snow buildup. Be sure there are not any branches hanging over your house so that your roof and exterior does not get damaged.

2. Windows – It’s been quite a cold couple of weeks! Filling in any gaps between window frames and doors can keep your home warmer and reduce your energy bill. Check to see if the weatherstripping is secure in these areas to avoid drafts.

3. Pipes – Pipes can be sensitive to these freezing temperatures, especially in older homes. Wrapping basement/crawl space water lines with insulation and heat tape can protect them from freezing. In older homes, running water through the faucets and outlets regularly can also help to avoid any potential freezing.

4. Programable Thermostat – Installing a programmable thermostat can really save money on energy bills. Set down the temperature while away at work and asleep to save some extra money. When changing the temperature, only change by 1-2 degrees since cranking the temperature up or down does not heat the home faster, but can waste more energy than desired.

Stay safe and stay warm this Michigan Winter!