Tips from Matawan, NJ Realtors on How to Winterize Your Property
7 suggestions from Realtors in Matawan, NJ to best prepare your home for the winter season
As the weather starts to get colder and colder, now is a great 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 per season. With simple things such as inspecting insulation and roofs, sealing gaps, and maximizing heat and hot water systems, homeowners can save up to 50% of the typical cost of winterization, according to Matawan, NJ Realtors.
The following list, compiled by Realtors in Matawan, NJ, highlights ways to make your home cost efficient this winter season:
Inspect Insulation
Have your heating system professionally serviced and cover air ducts with insulation. Remember to replace your filter on a monthly basis as well as check for any vent blockage in the home from things such as toys or furniture. Also, replace any old or soiled insulation. Determining the proper amount needed can be difficult, but it is advised by Matawan, NJ Realtors to have at least 12”, or enough to cover ceiling joists.
Check the Exterior
In order to keep your home warm and cozy this season, you simply 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.
Seal the Air
Air sealing, done with weather-stripping and caulking, is one of the biggest energy efficiency improvements you can do for your home, say Matawan, NJ Realtors. This not only cuts heating costs, but it also improves the durability and comfort of your home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Inspect Your Furnace advise Matawan NJ Realtors
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.
Get the Fireplace Ready
If your chimney has not been cleaned in some time, 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, Realtors in Matawan, NJ advise to make sure you keep firewood on hand stored in a dry place away from your home.
Prevent Frozen Pipes Caution Realtors in Matawan NJ
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.
Organize an Emergency Kit
Realtors in Matawan, NJ caution it is important to remember to have the necessary items on hand in the event of a power shortage in the winter. Stock up on necessary items such as indoor candles, flashlights, matches, 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 of your home.
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