Is Your House Ready for Winter?
Whether you live at the Lake of the Ozarks all year long or just part-time, as temperatures drop, there are a few things you will want to take care of at your house to stay safe and comfortable through the winter months. Your Favorite Real EstateTeam helps people find the home of their dreams so they can make the move to the Lake of the Ozarks and start living the #LakeLife. We love the lake and we love what we do and we want you to enjoy life here in the winter just as much as in the summer. If you would like to know a few tips that can help you prepare your house for winter weather and keep your family safe and comfortable all season, this blog is for you!
OUTSIDE YOUR HOUSE
1) Roof/Gutters
Because water expands when it freezes, it is important to
make sure that you don’t have any water building up in your gutters or creating
a dam on your roof. Cleaning out your
gutters will help ensure that they are not backing up with water and leaf guards
can help as well. Most reputable roofers
will also give free inspections, so take advantage of the offer and have your
roof looked at by a professional to prevent damage this winter.
2) Plumbing
If you have not already done so, disconnect your garden
hoses from the outside spigot. Leaving
your hose connected leaves water in the pipe that goes into your house. If that water freezes and breaks the pipe
inside your house, it can cause leaks and water damage that you might not be
able to see until you have suffered extensive damage. Preventing it is as easy as disconnecting the
hose. If you have any exposed pipes under or outside your house, wrapping them with heat tape on a temperature sensor
can save you a lot of grief when it freezes.
3) Trees
Take a look at your yard and especially the trees near or extending
over your house. If they were drooping
due to the weight of ice and snow, could they potentially rub on your roof or
worse, break and fall on your house or your vehicles? Having those trimmed
preventatively may help you avoid the stress of that kind of unexpected damage.
INSIDE YOUR HOUSE
1) Energy Efficiency
You may have drafts in your home that you won’t notice
until it gets colder outside. When we
have a cold day, check for cool drafts around windows, exterior doors, and
outlets on your exterior walls. By weather stripping, caulking, and insulating
the gaps allowing that airflow, you can increase your comfort level and save on
heating costs.
2) HVAC
You don’t want to be without heat when you need it. Not only
is it uncomfortable, it can even become dangerous depending on the temperatures. It is recommended to have your HVAC system checked
twice per year, so if you have not had your pre-winter check-up, now it a good
time.
3) Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Heating our homes can bring certain risks … more house fires
and CO poisonings happen in the fall and winter when we are using our furnaces
and heaters. It is proven that smoke AND
carbon monoxide alarms save lives when used properly. They are inexpensive and easy to install.
Your Favorite Real Estate Team cares about you and
your home, and that is why we hope you found these simple tips to prepare your house
for freezing temperatures helpful. We
want your family to be comfortable and safe, and we know just a little bit of
effort now can prevent a lot of trouble for you later. If you are interested in selling your house at the Lake of the Ozarks this winter, these easy tips can make your
home more appealing to buyers as well! If
you have any questions about real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks, our realtors
in Lake Ozark have the answers you need.
Reach out to us any time and follow us on social media to stay up to date
on the latest tips and information about life at the lake!
CONTACT ED SCHMIDT FOR ALL YOUR LAKE OF THE OZARK REAL ESTATE NEEDS
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