Winterizing your home is an important step you need to take as a homeowner. Winters in Parkersburg WV can be harsh and prepare your home is a necessary step you need to take to avoid damage to your home and potential claims against your home insurance policy.
Here are the top tips you should take to prepare your home for winter.
Clean Your Gutters
If your gutters are not cleaned before winter, you risk the blocked water freezing and seeping into your home causing water damage.
Examine Your Furnace
It is prudent to have your furnace serviced before winter. This will ensure it is working effectively. Also, you should change the air filter every month throughout winter which reduces the chance of a fire.
Wrap Pipes
A string of cold nights can increase the likelihood of a burst pipe. You can avoid costly homeowners claim by wrapping your pipes with insulation. Your insurance agent at Curtis Miller Insurance also recommends you turn off the water supply to your outside hose bibs. In addition to reducing the likelihood of a burst pipe, insulating pipes can save you between 4%-9% off your monthly energy bill.
Clean Your Chimney
Have a professional chimney company come and inspect and clean your chimney. Not only will this help improve its efficiency through the winter but it will make sure there are no buildups that can cause a fire in the house. Chimney companies get filled up quickly as the winter approaches so make a point to get an appointment on the books early in the season.
If you are interested in learning more about tips to keep your home free from damage, please feel free to reach out to us at Curtis Miller Insurance. We proudly service the Parkersburg, WV area.