As winter approaches in the Finger Lakes region of New York, knowing how to prepare your home for winter becomes crucial. That’s because understanding how to winterize a house can help you keep your home comfortable and safe from the harsh elements. You can ready your home by following these expert tips for winterizing your home.

Check the Gutters and Roof

Ensure your gutters are clog-free and water can flow freely because otherwise, you may face leaks, structural issues, and ice dams. While you assess your gutter system, you can also check your roof for damaged or missing shingles. Addressing these issues now will prevent water from seeping into your home during winter storms.

Inspect Windows and Doors

Cold air infiltration can significantly impact your home's energy efficiency, so reduce this problem by:

· Applying caulking to seal gaps

· Replacing weatherstripping around windows and doors

· Using window film

· Putting a door sweep at the bottom of exterior doors

Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are a nightmare to deal with. Fortunately, there are multiple things you can do to avoid this problem. You can insulate vulnerable pipes, cover faucets, keep a stream of water running in faucets when temperatures drop below freezing, disconnect outdoor hoses, and locate your main water shutoff so you’re prepared for emergencies.

Service the HVAC System

Ensure your heating system is in top condition before the cold sets in by replacing the furnace filter, scheduling a service appointment, and addressing any necessary repairs promptly. A well-maintained HVAC system keeps you warm and operates more efficiently, potentially saving energy costs.

Prepare Outdoor Spaces

Before the snow arrives, take steps to protect your patio and deck by:

· Covering outdoor furniture with weatherproof covers or storing it in a garage

· Applying a fresh coat of sealant to wooden decks

· Ensuring your snow removal tools are easily accessible

Keep It Cozy and Efficient

Set your thermostat to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a warm and comfortable living space. You can also consider installing an energy-efficient or programmable thermostat to optimize heating in the rooms you use most, without unnecessarily increasing energy bills.

Emergency Preparations

You can prepare for winter emergencies by installing an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system to safeguard against freezing pipes. Additionally, you can test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly. This is especially good to do while winterizing because the risk of residential fires is higher in the winter.

Maintain Your Yard

Make sure that you trim trees and remove dead branches from your yard. This is essential because ice, snow, and wind can cause branches to fall and damage homes, cars, or people.

Get Help With Winterizing Your Home

While these tips for winterizing your home can be a DIY project, it's wise to consider professional help if you want to make winterizing a safer and faster process. Legacy Custom Contracting is an expert you can count on for your windows, doors, roofing, decks, patios, and more because we have many years of experience providing top-tier remodeling services. Contact Legacy Custom Contracting to learn more about our services for homeowners in the Finger Lakes region of New York.