Are you ready for winter in Michigan? Whether you are a first time homebuyer or new to the Midwest, you’re about to discover that Michigan winters require more than simply shoveling snow and navigating icy roads. Your new home is going to need some care and attention before the cold weather hits. Our local West Shore Bank team members recommend taking the following steps to prepare your home for winter. From the basement to the attic, here are our top tips for creating a home winterization checklist.
When Do I Winterize My Home?
Freezing temperatures, icy winds, and deep snow can damage the structure of your home and significantly raise your heating costs. Starting in the fall, you should begin winterizing your home to help avoid costly repairs and high utility bills this winter. Give yourself enough time to complete your winterization checklist before temperatures drop and the first snow hits the ground.
West Shore Bank’s 8 Home Winter Maintenance Tips
Perform Heating System Maintenance
The best time to tune up your heating system is early fall. Once cold weather hits, professional heating companies will have their schedules filled. Hiring a professional to provide routine maintenance and inspect your system for damage will help ensure that your heating system can provide heat this winter.
Empty Your Gutters
Once the last leaves have fallen, it’s time to get out a ladder and inspect your gutters and downspouts. Inspect your gutters and check for blockages throughout the system. Debris can clog your drainage system, causing water to overflow and seep into your home.
A well-maintained gutter system helps direct melting snow and ice away from your house and foundation, saving you from long-term water damage. Clearing your gutters may involve hiring a professional based on the size of your home and your ability to safely and comfortably work from a ladder.
Insulate Your Pipes
During cold weather, frozen pipes are a leading cause of household damage and costly repairs. Pipes that burst can cause water damage throughout your home. Be sure you know where your whole-house water shutoff valve is located so you can limit the damage should pipes break.
To help avoid frozen pipes this winter inexpensive pipe insulation should be added to water pipes that are open to air. Inside your home this applies to sink pipes located in bathroom and kitchen cabinets. Outside you will want to cover outdoor faucets, disconnect garden hoses, and empty the water from your sprinkler system.
Inspect Your Fireplace
Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves should be inspected and cleaned each year before cold weather hits. Chimney buildup from last year’s use and unexpected critter nests can lead to smoke damage or uncontained fires in your home. A professional chimney sweep will remove animal nests, debris and buildup and inspect the working parts of your fireplace.
If your house has an old fireplace or chimney that is no longer in use, consider inflating a chimney balloon that can block unwanted airflow and prevent heat from escaping this winter.
Plan for an Outage
Winter can bring unexpected weather conditions. Start preparing in the late summer and early fall for the change of season. Check your garage and storage areas for winter essentials such as shovels and deicing agents like salt and sand.
Prepare a winter emergency kit to have on hand should ice or wind take down nearby power lines. Consider purchasing a generator if your area is prone to yearly power outages. A good Michigan emergency kit should include items like:
- Drinking water
- Non-Perishable food
- Medications
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Radio
- Fire starting supplies
- Blankets
Make Energy Efficient Upgrades
If you are looking for a long-term way to save money during Michigan’s winters, consider investing in energy efficient updates to your home. Older doors, windows, and insulation allow the Michigan cold to penetrate your home and force your heating system to work overtime. As a Michigan resident, you may be eligible for government rebates on upgrades to your insulation, heat pump, and more. A home equity loan can also help cover the cost of renovations and upgrades that prepare you for winter.
Installing programmable thermostats is a simple way to start your energy efficient upgrades. Programmable thermostats can help you save money this winter by turning your heat down automatically when you are out of the house at work and while you are sleeping. Setting your heat to a lower setting when you don’t need it is a simple and effective way to save money during Michigan winters.
Guard your Roof
Most homeowners don’t think about the condition of their roof until it’s too late. It’s simply “out of sight and out of mind” when you’re completing your daily tasks. When snow starts to fall, your roof plays a major role in protecting your home from cold temperatures and water damage. If possible, inspect your roof for broken and missing shingles and repair any damage before cold weather hits. If you have an attic, leaks in your roof may go unnoticed for a long time until they reach the living areas.
Cutting back branches from nearby trees can help protect the integrity of your roof as well. Strong winds and the weight of snow and ice can bring down nearby branches or cause them to whip against your roof and siding. Take a look around your property and identify troublesome branches before winter weather turns them into weapons against your home.
Check for Drafts
Prepare your home for winter by checking your windows, doors, and even electrical outlets for drafts. Weatherstripping and plastic sheeting can protect against cold air entering your home this year.
Try this old-fashioned method for detecting drafts in your home. Walk around your windows and doors with a lit candle. As you slowly pass the flame near your window and door edges, watch for the flame to flicker. Movement in the candle flame indicates a draft that could cost you money this winter.
Protect Your Home This Winter
Don’t let cold weather wreck your home and finances. At West Shore Bank, our local associates have weathered the seasons in Michigan. We have the resources you need to make your home winter-ready this year. Whether you are buying a generator, repairing your roof, or investing in energy saving upgrades, we have the best financial products and services to help.
A home equity loan or personal loan from West Shore Bank can provide the funds you need to protect your home and family this winter. Contact a friendly West Shore Bank associate or stop by one of our eight local offices in Ludington, Scottville, Hart, Manistee, Onekama, and Frankfort. We’re here to help!
