Tips to Winterize Your Home

Colder weather is just around the corner! Do you have a plan to winterize your home for when freezing temperatures arrive? Preparing your home for the cold not only ensures comfort, but also helps protect your home from damage. 

If you’re like me, I often don’t prepare until I see freezing temperatures in the forecast. That causes me to stress and rush to get things winterized. Being in Mississippi, we still have plenty of time left to get our homes ready for colder weather. There’s no better time than now to get prepared. Here are a few things to keep in mind during the winter months:

1. Unhook garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Drain them, roll them up, and store them indoors.
2. Install faucet covers on all exterior water faucets. You can also use items like old shirts or socks to cover the faucet.
3. Be aware of any water line leaks or sags that could potentially lead to problems when temperatures are below freezing for several days.
4. If you don’t have insulated pipes, consider investing in insulation. Whether you take it on DIY style or hire a professional, it’s always better to be proactive!
5. Never run generators or propane heaters in closed spaces, such as the attic or garage. You should also keep them at a safe distance from windows and doors. These precautions help prevent carbon monoxide from getting inside the house.
6. Do not significantly lower the heat or turn it off entirely to save money. This small act can contribute to pipes freezing!
7. When it gets below freezing, open cabinet doors under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to flow.
8. To help prevent pipes from freezing, allow your hot and cold faucets to drip anytime temperatures reach freezing.

You want to be warm during the winter, but most importantly, you want to be safe! Remember, it’s always better to take precautionary measures when temperatures go below freezing than to have problems to deal with afterward!