Temperatures are dropping, and time is running out to make sure your home is ready for winter. While most homeowners have a long to-do list awaiting them, some maintenance needs shouldn’t be ignored.

Making these simple tasks a priority can help you avoid a wintertime scramble in the harshest conditions. Keep reading, and make plans to cross these winter must-dos off your list soon.

Staying Ready

Traveling around town to get the supplies you need during a winter storm can be dangerous. Finding out you’re not the only one who procrastinated a little too long and discovering your items are sold out only adds to the frustration.

Stock up early on the necessities you may need this winter. Batteries, salt or other ice-melting supplies, insulation for exposed pipes, snow clearing equipment, and any fuel they may require are all worth buying before you need them.

Staying Warm

Of course, one of the advantages of getting a jump on your winter preparedness plans is that you’ll be able to enjoy the warmth of your home when severe weather arrives. So a little extra effort making sure your home will be as warm and energy-efficient as possible can be well worth your time.

Be sure your furnace has a fresh filter in place, and you have replacements on hand. If your system isn’t brand new, consider a winter tune-up by an HVAC professional as well. Spending a couple of hours recaulking your home’s windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas can minimize drafts and heating expenses. Reversing the direction of ceiling fans throughout the house and strategically adding space heaters to the rooms you spend most of your time could also cut down on your energy bill.

Staying Safe

Most importantly, you’ll want to be sure your home is safe this winter. Have your wood-burning fireplace inspected and the chimney cleaned if needed. Converting fireplaces from wood to gas could also be a safer, more efficient heating alternative to explore.

Check the batteries and coverage of your home’s smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If your roof is susceptible to ice dams, install cables in advance to avoid relying on a ladder or use a roof rake in slippery conditions. And be careful not to overload electrical outlets or misuse extension cords when installing holiday decorations or cold-weather equipment.

Enjoy this year’s winter weather from the comfort of your home, or reach out to an Open Mortgage specialist to discuss your options for financing a new one. Call or browse our website to learn more.