Minnesotans are beginning to prepare their homes for approaching wintery weather. Harsh temperatures, wind, snow and ice can damage unprepared homeowners. Preparing for these conditions is essential; these helpful tips may help you safely endure cold days. Even though it may only be October, it’s never too early to start your preparations as temperatures in the northern part of the Midwest can drop well before it’s true winter time.

5 Must-Do Winterizing Tasks

There’s a wide variety of tasks you may need to take on to properly winterize your home, including interior and exterior projects. Plus, there may be tasks, such as cleaning your chimney or checking your furnace, that you’ll need professional help to do safely. With that being said, there are a handful of must-do home maintenance tasks that are simple ways to start winterizing your home.

·        Switch to a programmable thermostat. If you don’t already have one, purchase programmable thermostats to help you save on your monthly energy bill. Automatically setting your thermostat to slightly reduced temperatures while you’re at work or sleeping may help you save money on your energy bills while still keeping your house warm, which can help prevent frozen or burst pipes.    

·        Weatherproof windows and doors. Ensure your windows and doors work well by checking areas around window and door frames for areas where air leaks might occur. You may want to purchase self-stick weatherstripping to secure areas around frames more tightly and do-it-yourself window insulation kits to further prevent window leaks.

·        Check your gutters. Remove debris from your gutters and ensure your downspouts are positioned away from your home’s foundation to stop ice dams from forming, which can be damaging and dangerous.

·        Change your furnace filter. Your furnace will be working overtime as the temperature drops, and it’s likely been turned off for months during the spring and summer seasons. Change out the filter before your turn your heat on to help keep it running smoothly.

·        Check that your snow removal tools work and are stocked. Make sure your snow-blowing equipment is winter-worthy—check the gas and oil, and add a fuel stabilizer if necessary. Then ensure anything that could get caught in your blower is removed and put away, such as small toys, garden rocks and hoses. If you need to place markers to know where it’s safe to blow snow, now’s the time—before the ground freezes. Additionally, purchase any other snow-removal necessities, such as rock salt, a shovel, a roof rake and an ice scraper.

Remember, this list is not all-exhaustive, and there may be more tasks you’ll need to complete to ensure your home is as prepared as it can be for the onset of winter.

Ensure Your Home Is Ready for Winter

In addition to these tips, now is an excellent time to review your homeowners insurance policy and ensure it’s up-to-date. Call Abbott Insurance Agency LLC at 612-824-1160 to review your existing coverage and discuss if any supplemental coverage may give you added protection.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.