As warm weather starts to give way to cooler autumn days, it's not too early to start preparing for the winter months ahead. Winterizing your home is an important part of your annual home maintenance routine, and it's the key to a safe and happy winter. Taking preventative steps now while the weather is nice can limit the risk of major home projects during the frigid months. Our real estate agents are here with some important winterization projects to add to your list this fall.

• Prepare Your Plumbing
  When it comes to winterizing, preventing frozen or bursting pipes is a top priority. Now is the time to prepare any plumbing that is exposed to the elements and can potentially freeze. Drain any outdoor faucets, garden hoses, and in-ground sprinklers. If you have pipes that run along exterior facing walls, add extra insulation or heat tape to help keep them warm throughout the winter.
  
  
• Check Your Attic Insulation
  Heat rises, so a significant amount of your home's warm air escapes through your attic and roof. As attic insulation settles and shrinks, it becomes less effective over time. Look at the insulation levels in your attic and determine if you need to add more. You can call a professional or purchase your own insulation at your local home improvement store.
  
  
• Cover And Store Your Outdoor Equipment
  Patio chairs, tables, grills, and other outdoor equipment should be cleaned, covered, and stored in a garage or shed. Not only will this protect your items, but it will also prevent wildlife from making a home in your appliances or furniture.
  
  
• Tend To Your Fireplace And Chimney
  If your family enjoys a warm, cozy fire in the winter, fall is the time to have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned. Call a professional to have a look. Failing to maintain your fireplace is a common cause of house fires in the wintertime, so make sure to have yours serviced before firing it up.
  
  
• Have Your Furnace Inspected
  The last thing you want is for your furnace to stop working on one of the coldest nights of the year. Having your unit inspected and serviced in the fall can prevent problems, and if your unit is more than 15 years old, you may want to consider proactively replacing it. A new furnace is also an attractive selling point. It's common for owners of Littleton homes for sale or Holderness homes for sale to proactively replace their furnace before listing their property.
  
  
• Hang Heavy Curtains
  Swapping out your light summer curtains for heavy winter ones can not only make your home more cozy, but can also improve the energy efficiency of your home by adding an extra layer of insulation. A nice area rug is another effective way to add a cozy element to any room.
  
  
• Seal Gaps Around Doors And Windows
  Gaps around your doors and windows are often the biggest culprit when it comes to heat loss in the winter. To eliminate drafts, seal the gaps by replacing any worn-out weather stripping. Investing in energy-efficient doors and windows can also make a big difference.

Taking the time to prepare your home for winter now means less to worry about when cold weather finally comes around. If you're interested in buying or selling a home this year, contact us.