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Winter is here, which means it’s time to brace yourself for the temperature drops. In addition to getting used to the colder climate for a season, it’s also a time of more accidents and potential damage to your home.
Luckily, you can get ahead of those winter hiccups. Here’s how some simple winter preparations can save you and your family from costly repairs in the future.
Remember Car Maintenance
When it gets cold and icy out, cars have a higher chance of sliding or crashing into someone else. If you live somewhere that gets extremely cold or snows frequently, you should have your car inspected and maintained to the best of your ability. If you’re on a tight budget, at least invest in tire repair services. Durable tires are an important part of driving during the winter. When roads are covered in ice, it’s important that your car has plenty of traction when making tight turns. Tires that have deteriorated could cause your car to slide and cause an accident.
If you can afford to do more, have your brakes checked. You should also keep an emergency kit in your car in case your car stalls or breaks down. Common items to include are jumper cables, blankets, water, warm clothes, and nonperishable food items.
Seal your openings
Winter months typically mean higher heating bills, especially if your windows and doors aren’t properly insulated. Regularly dealing with drafts can expose you and your children to the cold air which can compromise your immune system. If you have older windows and can’t replace them, there are weather insulation kits you can purchase from the store as a temporary fix. Preventing cold air from entering your house will also reduce the need of running your heating system for an extended period of time.
Prepare your water pipes
A general rule is that if you live in temperatures that are 28 or lower, you should take precautions to protect your water pipes. If your pipes freeze, they can cut off your water supply. In severe cases, your plastic or metal pipes can burst and cause a myriad of damage. Water leakage can cause moisture to accumulate and may even cause mold to grow over time.
Certain areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages are even more susceptible to damaged pipes because they don't get as much attention as common areas like your living room and bedrooms. Therefore, be sure to have them properly insulated before the temperatures drop too low to keep your water supply flowing and save you money on future water damage.
Winter months come with more than snowmen and hot chocolate. As a homeowner, you have to practice preventative care in colder climates. Simple tasks like preparing your windows, servicing your tires, and insulting your water pipes will keep both your home and family safe. Who knows, you may be able to finance a family outing with the money you save by prepping for the cooler weather.
