We all know it’s coming – Newfoundland winter’s are tough (for us and for our homes) and as a real estate agent I get lots of questions about winterizing homes. If you’re a home-owner in Newfoundland, I strongly encourage you to take time now to prepare for the coming months. These simple steps can greatly protect your real estate throughout the entire winter, and often save you money in the process.
Do It Yourself
Take an afternoon to clean out your gutters and you won’t be sorry – when water can flow freely it’s less likely to freeze and create ice damns. You can also inspect your roof and replace any missing or worn out shingles.
Remember that caulking, draft guards and weather stripping on windows go a long way. You can also insulate your pipes and wrap your hot water heater with an insulating blanket. Assess your house and where you loose heat, and add insulation accordingly. You can also replace filters on your central air, which will make your system more efficient and budget-friendly.
I also recommend installing a programmable thermostat – it can really help cut back on those heating costs. Some sources say each degree you set your thermostat lower, you’ll save 1% on your bill. While you’re at it, check that your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors have good batteries (and if you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, install one!).
Call a Professional (Maybe)
Especially if this is your first winter in your home, have your furnace serviced to make sure it’s working properly. A professional will ensure it will work correctly and safely. If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace you should also have it inspected and cleaned.
Depending on your budget, consider installing storm doors and windows. Window insulation kits that cover your windows in plastic are a good, cheap alternative, but if your windows are old and drafty, new ones might be worth the investment.
As a real estate agent, I know first-hand the joys of home ownership, but also the responsibilities. If you have any more tips for winterizing your home, please share in the comments below – I believe we can’t be too prepared, so the more steps we can take now the better. As always, if you have any questions, please call me at 682-0744, don’t forget that I have a mortgage calculator on my homepage, and good luck getting your Newfoundland real estate ready for winter!