If you've just bought a new home, you might not be used to the ins and outs of maintaining it. And with winter on the way, there are a number of important tasks ahead of you. Fortunately, our real estate agents can help you figure out what needs to be done to keep your home comfortable, stop energy bills from ballooning, and prevent leaks and damage when the weather turns cooler.
Seal Leaks
There are two types of leaks that can raise your energy bills and make your house colder in winter. First, there are leaks around light switches and outlets, near baseboards, around door and window frames, and similar places around your home, where cold outside air leaks in, displacing the warm air from your furnace. You can find and repair these with a home energy audit. Second, you need to check for leaks in your ductwork. Small holes, tears, and other damage can cause that warm air to leak out before it even reaches your home, forcing your furnace to work harder and wearing it out sooner. Seal duct leaks with metal tape or mastic sealant to save around 30 percent on your energy bills.
Insulate Pipes
When water freezes, it expands, so if it freezes in your pipes, it can cause serious damage. Disconnect any hoses from outdoor spigots and store them for the winter. Then, shut off the water to those spigots and drain them. For exposed pipes indoors, such as beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks, get some foam insulation sleeves to put over them. In a pinch, you can also use strips of cloth or even newspaper.
Clean Gutters
Water freezing in your gutters is almost as bad as in your pipes. Leaves and other debris can block the flow of water, trapping it in the gutter to form ice dams when the weather turns freezing. That ice buildup can cause leaks in your attic, which lead to mold and mildew. Get a ladder and clear all debris from your gutters so water can drain freely.
Check Insulation
Hot air rises, so if you want to keep your warm furnace air inside your home, you need insulation in your attic to slow the flow of heat. If you just bought your home, you might not know how well-insulated it is. Check the attic; if the insulation doesn't come up past the joists, you need more.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
In summer, ceiling fans keep you cool, but they can actually have the opposite effect in winter. Find the switch on the base of the fan to reverse the blades and flip it so they run clockwise. This pushes the rising, warm air down, so your home stays comfortable with less energy.
Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you have a gas furnace, you're susceptible to carbon monoxide leaks, which can cause serious illness and death. That's why it's important to have a CO detector on every floor and test them periodically to ensure they're functioning properly. Each detector should have a button to press to see if it beeps. If it doesn't, or the beep is weak, replace the batteries. If it still doesn't work, replace the CO detector. As a rule, replace the batteries annually and the detectors every seven years.
With a little care and maintenance, you can have a comfortable and inviting home all year. Contact us if you're ready to check out Ridgewood homes for sale. We'll help you find the perfect home to meet your needs in a neighborhood you'll love.
