Tips to get your home ready for winter

The gusts of fall have arrived, so now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the cooler months ahead. It is a fact that the weather cannot be changed, but there are many things that can be done to reduce or at least prepare for some of the most important risks of winter. Here are some tips:

Remove fallen leaves and other accumulated debris from your home's gutters, then dry the gutters if possible with a hose. This will help drain rainwater and melting snow well, as clogged drains create ice dams in which water stagnates and freezes, causing water leakage inside the house.

2. Consider alternatives to de-icers

The accumulation of ice on roads, driveways and sidewalks is extremely dangerous, but the use of chemicals to remove it can pose a danger to pets, plants and the environment. Therefore, homeowners should shovel snow off their property before it accumulates to reduce the need for snow removal materials and make them more effective.

3. Be prepared for unexpected winter emergencies with extra protection

Improperly drained or neglected water pipes can freeze in the winter, expand or even burst. Insulate cold water pipes located next to exterior walls or in basements, and make sure you know the location of the main water shut-off valve.

4. Adjust your heating system

An annual tune-up of the heating system increases efficiency and comfort just as an engine tune-up improves vehicle performance and increases gas mileage. When the first extreme cold snap arrives, everyone turns on the central heating. This is the time when many systems break down after sitting unused all summer.

5. Create a power outage kit

Finally, be prepared for the inevitable winter power outages by creating a complete kit with flashlights, batteries, generators, etc. The good news is that you can get it now from Jaafar Shop!