With the winter season quickly approaching, many Minnesota and western Wisconsin homeowners are wondering what home improvements are needed. Below is a list of projects homeowners should begin tackling now, and continue working on throughout the cool winter months.
As the temperature begins to drop, you should consider having a technician inspect your home's heating system to make sure it is working properly. Inspections typically cost less than $100 and includes checks for carbon monoxide leaks and efficiency.
For rooms with ceiling fans, run the blades clockwise when you start using your heat more, as the direction will push heated air back down throughout your home's rooms.
If your home has historically collected icicles or ice dams during the winter months, you may want to invest in having a contractor evaluate your home's insulation, as well as fix any air leaks. You should also make sure your roof is free of loose or damaged shingles from last year's snowstorms.
You should also check the caulking between doors and windows in your home and re-caulk them before it gets too cold and warm air seeps out.
Be sure to turn off water faucets outside your home – frozen pipes can burst and cause major damage to your home or property. While many newer homes have frost-proof faucets, if your home is more than 15 years old, simply disconnect garden hoses and allow extra water to drain.
You should also gather all the winter essentials, including a snow shovel or ice melt, for your home's driveway and walkways.
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