How to Winterize Your NJ Real Estate Property

7 tips to best prepare your NJ Real Estate for the winter season

When the weather starts to cool down, it is a good time to start thinking about the winterization of your home to reduce your energy and heating bills. According to the Department of Energy, the cost to heat the average home is approximately $1,400. With simple things such as sealing gaps, inspecting insulation and roofs and maximizing heat and hot water systems, NJ Real Estate homeowners can save up to 50 percent of the typical cost of winterization.

The following list highlights ways to make your home cost efficient during the winter season:

1. Inspect your furnace

The best way to maximize the efficiency of your heating system is to have an HVAC professional inspect your furnace and clean ducts to ensure proper operation and increase the amount of heat produced. You may also want to stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly. Also, using a programmable thermostat in place of your regular thermostat will save you money by dropping the temperature of your home when you are out instead of keeping a constant temperature throughout the day.

2. Get the fireplace ready

If your chimney has not been cleaned in a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote. Afterwards, you should cap the screen or the top of the chimney to prevent rodents or birds from coming in. Also, close your chimney flue damper if you have one or consider buying a new rubber damper for a tighter seal. Lastly, make sure you keep firewood on hand stored in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.

3. Inspect insulation

Have your heating system professionally serviced and cover air ducts with insulation. Remember to replace the filter monthly and check for any vent blockage in the home from things such as furniture or toys. Also, replace any old or dirty insulation. Determining the proper amount needed can be complicated, but it is advised to have at least 12 inches, enough to cover ceiling joists.

4. Seal the air

Air sealing, done with caulking and weather-stripping, is one of the biggest energy efficiency improvements you can do for your home. This not only cuts heating costs, it also improves your home's comfort and durability, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

5. Check the exterior

In order to keep your home warm and cozy you must keep the cold air out. In order to do this, seal all cracks on the perimeter of your home’s exterior, paying close attention to areas around windows and outdoor pipes. Be sure to also inspect the roof and add extra insulation in the attic as needed to prevent warm air from traveling to the roof and causing ice dams. Clean gutters of all debris and consider installing leaf guards or downspout extensions to steer water away from the home.

6. Prevent frozen pipes

Remember to insulate exposed plumbing pipes, drain garden hoses and air conditioner pipes. If you will be away from your home for an extended period of time, keep your heat on and set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing.

7. Organize an emergency kit

It is important to remember to have the necessary items on hand in the event of a power shortage in the winter such as indoor candles, matches, flashlights and extra batteries. Be sure to locate the phone numbers for utility companies and keep them near your telephone. Also, store extra bottled water, non-perishable food items, blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easily accessible location.