Preparing Your New Home for Cold Weather | Journey Home Lending

Love it or hate it, cold weather will be here before we know it. If you have been in the midst of moving into a newly purchased house or you are in the process of finding a new home, there is a good chance you haven’t given the changing seasons a whole lot of thought.

Winter brings quite a few risks to our homes, though, and puts strain on our energy bills. If we don’t take some steps to protect them, our homes can be at risk for frozen pipes, roof damage and an overworked furnace.

If you have recently moved into a new house, it might be difficult to figure out everything you need to do to keep things safe. Take it one step at a time and you will be cuddled up under a blanket peacefully knowing your new home is ready to weather the winter.

Call the Pros

Start your prep work early by scheduling some professional maintenance on your home during the fall. If your new home has a chimney, it should be professionally cleaned and inspected once a year before use. You should also schedule maintenance on your heating and cooling unit, both in the fall and the spring.

Take a look at your windows. If you have storm windows, put them in. If you don’t, talk with a professional about having your home fitted for them.

Storm windows are a simple upgrade that can keep your home warmer throughout the winter. They also protect your home when the winds get high and snow sets in. There is a good chance your roof has been recently inspected if you just moved in, but be sure to have any recommended repairs completed.

There are a few steps you can take on your own, too. Replace the air filter and check for dust around the vents. If you noted when you originally toured the home or during the home inspection that there was space in the attic for more insulation, add it.

Home Maintenance

There is a good chance you are spending most of your days cleaning and unpacking, but as winter approaches, you need to add a few extra things to your to-do list in order to get your new home warm and cozy.

Add sealing your windows and doors with caulk to your to list, along with installing a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat is a great way to maintain steady temperatures and give your furnace a break anytime you are not at home.

Switch your ceiling fans if you have any so that they turn the opposite way. This can help blow warm air down from the ceiling.

Any time the sun is out, let it warm your home naturally by opening blinds or window coverings. Check that your furniture isn’t covering vents as well—especially as you continue to figure out where everything is going to live permanently in your new home. If your pipes are not already well-wrapped, wrap them ahead of the first winter storm.

The more you can do to prepare your home the better you will weather the winter. Your first winter in your new home will be a good one knowing that your home is well prepared—and once the prep work is done, you can unpack your blankets and cozy up the rest of the season.

Ready to have a new home to prep for the winter? Contact us to get started on your journey.