As the cold weather nears, everyone faces the dreaded question: How can I make my home ready for the winter? There are multiple reasons why families should winterize their homes as soon as possible.

Following proper advice will lead to reduced utility costs, preventative maintenance, and a guarantee of safety. After all, no one desires frozen pipe breakage or leaks during a snowy storm.

Not only will making these upgrades keep your house up and running through the winter, but these tips will save you money on your utility bill. Here are a few tips:

1. Inspect the Furnace and Heaters.

   To take the necessary precautions, you should always contact an HVAC professional to inspect the furnace and ducts. Remember to change your furnace filters on a monthly basis too.
   
   As dust will accumulate in many furnaces, cleaning the filters will increase furnace efficiency. Some homes are heated by a hot-water radiator, where you must bleed the valves by opening them and closing them when hot water appears. Regardless of what the case may be, calling an expert to inspect these areas would be the best option.
   
   

2. Check the Doors and Windows.

   Many doors and windows have crevices that allow cold air to infiltrate. Make sure this is not the case with your home by sealing any cracks around entry points.
   
   Using weather-stripping, replacing cracked glass, and covering windows with plastic shields will save you fortunes on utility bills.
   
   

3. Clean the Roof and Gutters.

   Your gutters may be clogged with autumn leaves, which will only accumulate over time. Leaving leaves in the gutters will only cause dirt and sludge to gather.
   
   This is why it is important to clean them up before you face the winter rain and snow. Draining the gutters is a necessary measure to prevent the buildup of debris.
   
   

4. Inspect Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

   If your smoke detectors are over five years old, it might be time for a replacement. Experts recommend at least one smoke alarm on each level of your house and in each bedroom.
   
   On as similar note, carbon monoxide detectors should be placed high on the walls in every level of a home. But at the very least make sure to check and test your alarms every month and change the batteries on an annual basis.
   
   

5. Protect your Pipes.

   Freezing weather also leads to freezing water in pipes, which may eventually cause the pipes to burst. By insulating water pipes with foam, you won’t have to worry about bursting and other complications.
   
   Foam insulation is inexpensive and can be found at any local hardware store. This fix only takes a matter of minutes. All you need is some duct tape and pre-slit lengths of insulating foam. Note that in the attic you should only use “metallic” duct tape, not the plain stuff; it will not stand up to next summer’s heat.
   
   Another trick is to use rags and tape in climates that rarely drop below freezing. While you are at the home improvement store, pick up a couple of Styrofoam outdoor faucet protectors. They are usually in the same general area as the pipe insulation.

These winter home improvement tips will not only save you money, but also major headaches in the dead of winter. A better idea is but a nice piece of Florida Real Estate at the Loxahatchee Country Club to escape the cold. 

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