Believe it or not, we could be seeing the first snowflakes of the year in a few short weeks. Metro DC homeowners can take precautions now to ensure they are not caught off guard by a faulty heating system, water leaks in the basement or high energy bills due to drafty windows and doors.
The Estridge Group is happy to share these five tips for preparing your Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, or NoVA home for winter and help you enjoy the season, without any home-related hassles.
Clean the gutters
Once all the leaves have fallen, it’s time to clean out your gutters, unless of course, they are already overflowing. Gutters are the cause of many basement water problems due to water draining improperly.
On the same note, make sure your downspouts are pointing away from your house, away from sills and driveways. You always want to route water away from the house, not emptying into a corner of it.
Block the drafts
Seal up any gaps around windows, doors and baseboards with weather stripping, window film or caulk to keep your energy bills down. Now is also the time to repair any broken or cracked windows that could allow heat to escape.
Have your chimney cleaned
If you’ll be using your fireplace this winter in the DC Metro, give your chimney sweep a call. An experienced chimney sweep will be able to clean buildup or blockages and prevent fires related to this feature of your home.
Have your furnace inspected
This time before winter arrives is best for inviting an HVAC technician to inspect your furnace as they can become very busy during the height of the season. Making sure everything is in working order now will save you trouble when the weather requires daily use.
Reroute ceiling fans
If you have ceiling fans in your Metro DC home, set them to rotate clockwise to force the rising warm air back toward the floor. Keep heating down with the use of your ceiling fan can also help you lower energy bills this time of year.
Do not hesitate to reach out to The Estridge Group with any questions about becoming a homeowner or selling your current home this year. Winter can be an ideal season to find a deal on your dream home!
