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Priscilla Toomey: It’s Wintertime–10 Steps to Protect Your Home


By Priscilla Toomey, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Julia B. Fee/Sotheby's International Realty


Dec. 16, 2015:  With the warm and balmy weather we've been having, it's easy to be lulled into a false sense of security that the weather will continue. But last year we started out warm and you know where that went! So, even if just as a precaution, you need to prepare your home for winter.

Below is a checklist to get you started:

  1. Be sure your gutters and downspouts are clear. Otherwise, water can collect. Damp, collected leaves can lead to mold and, when it freezes, water expands and can cause cracks.

  2. Caulk and seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors to prevent cold air from leaking in. Also, since warm air rises, reverse ceiling fans to circulate warmer air around you.

  3. Program your thermostat to reduce heating bills--or install a programmable thermostat if you don't already have one.

  4. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order and that your fire extinguisher is current and easy to reach.

  5. Check your fireplace for soot or creosote build-up, and make sure your damper is closed and not leaking cold air. Make sure your furnace filters are clean or replaced.

  6. Check your roof for damaged or missing shingles and check chimney flashing, in both cases to avoid leaks. Trim back branches from your house and nearby electrical wires to prevent property damage or power problems.

  7. Make sure water drains away from your house rather than puddling or flowing towards it. If re-grading is needed, do it before the ground freezes.

  8. Make sure all openings and vents are covered to prevent critters from nesting inside your nice warm place.

  9. Drain and shut off exterior faucets.

  10. Make sure handrails on exterior walks and stairs are secure and that walkways are in good repair and well lit to prevent accidents.

Whether or not this winter is as harsh as last year's, these precautionary steps will save you headaches and money!

Pictured here:  Priscilla Toomey, licensed associate real estate broker, JD, ABR, Top5, certified EcoBroker, SRES with Julia B. Fee/Sotheby's International Realty, 2 Park Place, Bronxville, NY 10708; cell, 914-559-8084; email, priscilla.toomey@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy Julia B. Fee/Sotheby's International Realty

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