Tips on ‘Winterizing your Home’

November 29, 2013

It may not feel like it now, but winter is just around the corner.  It certainly doesn’t get as cold in Central Texas as it does in northern climates like Chicago or Buffalo, but we do occasionally get some freezes in January and February. As a homeowner, now is the time to prepare your home for the colder temperatures, wind, sleet and freezing rain that are always a possibility in and around Austin.

Winterizing your home will not only make you feel cozy on those cold winter nights, but it will also help to lower your utility bills. Any homeowner can protect their home from winter freezes by taking advantage of a few easy-to-follow common sense winterizing tips.

Sealing all of the little openings in your house can keep cold air out and hot air from escaping. Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors plus installing insulation and radiant barriers where appropriate are excellent ways to make your home more protected from air transfer between the inside and outside.

Don’t forget to pay attention to your pipes. If there is a sustained freeze, that could mean frozen pipes.  Frozen pipes can expand and burst resulting in water damage when the temperature gets back above freezing.  As a precaution, cover spigots, wrap exposed outdoor pipes, and, if possible, drain the water out of them if the forecast is for freezing temperatures.

Despite all of our best efforts, damage can still occur.  The most important precaution is to make sure your home is properly insured.  Contact Central Insurance Agency today for an insurance check-up!