Sangamon Sun

Living in Illinois means being prepared for the ever-changing weather conditions. With all four seasons in play, homeowners need to stay ahead of the game to avoid costly damages and challenges. While winter brings a beautiful snowy landscape, it can also bring arctic temperatures and potential risks to homes. To protect your home during the winter season, there are several simple steps that can be taken.

One of the most significant risks during winter is water damage caused by frozen and burst pipes. To prevent this, Consumer Reports suggests wrapping pipes and keeping the heat at a temperature of 65 degrees or higher. It is also crucial to know the location of the water shutoff valve for emergency situations.

To ensure a well-prepared home for winter, Bankrate recommends the following steps:

1. Protect indoor pipes, paying special attention to basements where most burst pipes occur.

2. Insulate the attic or crawl space.

3. Service the furnace and chimney with annual inspections.

4. Remove and store window screens, replacing them with glass storm windows to create an insulating layer.

5. Repair loose roofing shingles to prevent water leaks caused by heavy snow.

6. Clean and inspect gutters to avoid ice dams.

7. Repair loose or broken patio stones.

8. Remove any dead or ailing tree limbs that may pose a risk during winter storms.

9. Secure outdoor water sources by draining garden hoses and removing them from spigots.

10. Mark garden beds, paths, and driveways to assist with snow shoveling.

In addition to these tips, Real Simple suggests re-caulking windows and doors to seal any gaps and reverse ceiling fans to circulate warm air. It is also important to drain fuel from gas-powered engines such as lawn mowers and check on insurance coverage to avoid any surprises.

To prevent door locks from freezing in extremely cold climates, Budget Dumpster recommends spraying a powdered-graphite lubricant in each lock. Tidying up gardens and mulching flower beds can help prevent insects from hiding out during winter. It is also essential to keep the deck clean and apply sealer if needed. Checking on the snowblower and bringing in outdoor plants, furniture, and grills are additional steps to ensure a well-prepared home.

Other small but crucial steps include covering the water heater with an insulation blanket, installing a programmable thermostat for customized temperature settings, and changing batteries and testing smoke detectors.

By following these tips and guidelines from various sources, homeowners in Illinois can take the necessary steps to prepare their homes for the challenges of winter. Being proactive in winterizing a home can save thousands of dollars in potential damages and ensure a safe and comfortable living environment throughout the winter season.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repcoffey.com/2023/12/03/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-winter-in-illinois/