Holtz Realty

Every time Fall arrives we think that it will last for months, but in our area, when November 1st rolls around the weather can be good as well as ugly. We find ourselves rushing at the last days of pleasant weather doing things that could have been accomplished weeks before. When it comes to your home, it’s best to start from the top down and the inside out. First of all, if you live in a 2 story home, you should check to make sure all the windows close and seal properly including any possible loose exterior caulking and window glazing. You don’t want to be on a ladder when it’s freezing. If you have newer thermal windows, it’s best to remove the screens and store them for the winter. The extra sunlight coming into through windows helps to bring more light into the home during the short and sometimes dark days. Check around the exterior doors to make sure the seals are tight on both the inside and storm doors. Air leakage is the real culprit when it comes to high heating bills. Make sure you change the air filter on the furnace at least once per month. Dirty air filters cause furnaces to work harder. Clean windows not only help to bring more light into your home but also warming rays of the sun. A real thorough deep interior cleaning will help to keep your home less dusty while it’s closed up all winter. Take a moment to visit your attic and ensure the vents are not blocked. Even in the winter, homes have to have breathe. My favorite challenge to myself is to remember what I had to do at the last moment this past year because it was over-looked in preparing for winter. You wouldn’t believe what most people go crazy looking for when winter arrives. It’s an ice scraper for car windows! Frost is the first sign that winter is coming so don’t wait until the last—get ready early.