How To Winterize Your OKC Home

The air is turning colder and winter will be here before we know it. There is no time like now to start getting your home ready for winter. The last thing you want to find is that your furnace is no longer when you need it the most. Addressing air drafts today is ideal over waiting until they leave the inside of your home feeling like a freezer.

Here are some tips to help your home be ready for the colder winter weather.

Inside

HVAC Maintenance: If you have not done so this month, replace the filter in your home's furnace. If for some reason you have not had your heat on yet this year, go ahead and test the system to make sure it is operating properly. It also doesn't hurt to have yearly routine maintenance done on the system by a professional.

Clean Chimney: This is the time of year to have your home's chimney cleaned if you have a fireplace. This is not one of those things you can choose to skip. While having your chimney cleaned, have the furnace flue cleaned as well.

Air Leaks: The goal is to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. If your home has an air leak this can be nearly impossible. Before the bitter cold weather hits, use caulk to seal any cracks and replace weather stripping around your windows and doors.

Outlets: Feel around the outlets in your home's exterior walls to see if you feel a draft. If so, add insulation to prevent the warm air from escaping.

Outdoors

Gutters: Leaves and grime can quickly build up to clog your gutters and drains. During the winter months, ice dams can form and prevent your drainage system from working if the gutters are not cleaned out. This can lead to all kinds of issue and damage, so clean your gutters and drains now.

Sprinkler System: Have your sprinkler system winterized by a professional during fall. This will prevent you from having frozen pipes or even cracks in the pipes that could damage the whole system.

Roof Inspection: Inspect your roof for any missing or damaged shingles. If you are not able to safely inspect your roof have a roofing professional do it. Many times they will do so for free.

If you are looking to buy a home in the greater Oklahoma City area this winter, The Forrest Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. 

Photo by Samuel Zeller   on  Unsplash