Baby, it's cold outside!

And, if you're not careful, the chill will get inside as well. That's why home winterization is so important. Not only will it keep you cozy inside, but it will also help your home run smoothly, which can minimize utility bills. It's also one of the key responsibilities of being a new homeowner that often gets overlooked.

At Holt Homes, we want to equip our homeowners with the tools they need to keep their new home looking and feeling new for as long as possible. That's why we've put together these helpful Home Winterization Tips.

1) Replace your air filters every 90 days.

Yes, we know...it's easy to forget and might be kind of a pain, but replacing your air filters really does improve your home's air quality and it's part of your new duty as a homeowner, too. The air quality is better, and it allows your furnace to be more efficient. Just go do it now–we'll wait.

2) Turn off your sprinklers and winterize.

If you haven't already, it's time to blow out those sprinkler systems and shut them off for the winter. Ideally, you'll want to have this done before temperatures dip down below freezing. Once your system and pipes are free of water, you can turn off your irrigation timers, remove the hose from the hose bib, add hose bib covers to your outdoor faucets and wrap your backflow to avoid freezing pipes.

3) Winterize your lawn.

Just as fertilizer is important in the spring, lawn winterizer is important when it turns cold. Specialized lawn winterizer is designed to help lawns store more food for winter survival. An easy way to remember to use it is when you put your lawnmower away for the season.

And while you're at the hardware store, why not grab fresh batteries, flashlights, ice melt (preferably not a salt mixture to save our waterways), snow shovels, and tire chains – especially if you live in higher elevations. Having these items on hand will arm you for what's ahead this winter.

4) Check your roof.

If you are up on your roof blowing off the last of autumn's fallen leaves, you should also take a look at your shingles. If you're not sure what to look for, you can always have a roofing company come out and inspect. Ensure that all your gutters are clean and securely attached to help prevent ice dams.

5) Seal in the heat.

Check your home to be sure there aren't any areas at doors and windows that need sealing. You can do a candle check: light a candle near your window or door seals to see if it flickers due to airflow. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal in the warmth now for lower utility bills all season long.

To learn more about your homeowner duties and what is covered under warranty always double-check our handy Maintenance Guides, Maintenance Manual, and Warranty Manual to be sure you're properly maintaining your home. And, as a friendly reminder, harsh weather conditions such as storms aren't covered under warranty -- all the more reason why it's key to nail your winter prep!

We hope these tips are helpful to keep your home comfy and cozy during the chillier months.

 

 

Got a seasonal question about your Holt home?

Or would you like to buy a new home with us? Contact us. We're here to answer every question, big or small.

 

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For more than three decades, Holt Homes has built new construction homes for families in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The quality and experience of our people, the ease and efficiency of our approach, and the livability of our communities works hand-in-hand to make Holt Homes the largest locally-grown home builder in the region. For more information, live chat or call us at (971)-231-5560.

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