Get Your Omaha, NE Home Winter Ready In Four Easy Steps
.jpg)
Even though the official start of winter is still two weeks away, the cold weather has officially landed in Omaha, NE!
Now is a great time to start preparing your home for the chilly months ahead. Below we have listed a few tasks that aren’t too time consuming and will make a big difference in protecting your home from the low temperatures. Let’s dive in:
-If you frequently use your fireplace during the winter months, be sure to have it thoroughly cleaned by a chimney sweep. This will ensure any creosote buildup, nests and debris are removed, which can be not only dangerous for your health but become a fire hazard as well. This is also a great time to inspect the chimney for cracks and check that the furnace or boiler is running safely and efficiently.
-While we are on the topic of reducing the risk of house fires, checking the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should also be on your list this winter. During the chilly winter months, 27 percent of structure fires are caused by heating (according to the U.S. Fire Administration). You can understand the importance and necessity of these detectors working properly in your home to keep you and your family safe.
-A crucial part of preparing your home for winter is ensuring that pipes don’t freeze. As water freezes it expands, and the expanding is what causes pipes to burst (and a migraine to set in). To avoid this you will want to insulate all the pipes throughout your home that are near doors, windows and in any other areas that are not heated. Additionally, you will want to ensure the heat is not set lower than 55 degrees fahrenheit and to drain the garden hose/sprinklers if you have them.
-Lastly, go to each ceiling fan in your home and set it to the reverse direction. On most models there is a switch that will allow the fan blades to spin clockwise. Allowing the blades to run in a clockwise direction will push the heated air down and thus create a warmer, cozier atmosphere during the chilly winter months.
From new, modern homes to old fixer-uppers, whatever your taste let our experienced team help you find your dream home in Omaha, NE. Be sure to sign up for our listing alerts here!
It’s that time of year when people trade their light, fall jackets for an insulted, warm coat, and their fashion forward strappy sandals for knee high boots. It also means that when outside temperatures drop, homeowners can expect their monthly electric bill to rise. It happens each year, yet many people are still shocked when they see that first heating bill come their way. So instead of breaking out the extra blankets and sleeping with seven layers on, we have a few tips and tricks below that will help to keep your home warm and comfortable, without breaking your wallet with extreme heating bills every month!
