Get Your House Ready For Winter With This Checklist
We’re lucky to live in Tennessee for a lot of reasons. One that’s close to the top for many people is that we get to truly experience all four seasons in our state – and thankfully, our winters tend to be milder than other parts of the country. Even so, wintertime in Tennessee still brings freezing temperatures and the occasional heavy snowfall, and what looks like wonderland can quickly become hazardous for you, your family and your home.
According to the National Weather Service, winter storms, ice, and extreme cold caused over $190 million in property damage across the country in 2023. While Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee is here for you if your home is damaged, taking just a few steps to prepare your home for the season can go a long way toward protecting it (and your peace of mind).
Checklist: Preparing Your Home for Winter
Indoors
Reverse your fans. Change the direction of your ceiling fans, so that they circulate warm air downward and distribute heat more efficiently.
Maintain your chimney. There’s nothing better than a cozy fire on a cold day. Schedule a professional chimney inspection and cleaning, so you can enjoy your fire worry-free.
Lower the temperature on your water heater to save energy and prevent scalding accidents.
Tune up your furnace. Keep the heat flowing safely and efficiently during the winter season by having your furnace professionally serviced.
Block drafts. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors, so you don’t have to ask, “Where’s that chill coming from?”
Avoid a burst pipe by insulating exposed pipes and disconnecting outdoor hoses, so they don’t freeze and burst in a cold snap.
Outdoors
Clear your driveways and sidewalks of any debris, like fallen leaves, that could freeze and become slippery and dangerous.
Prepare outdoor plumbing and pools. Drain any outdoor spigots and sprinkler systems, and make sure they’re covered with insulation to protect from the cold.
Clean your gutters. A buildup of leaves can easily become an ice dam when freezing temperatures hit.
Prevent pests. Bugs don’t like the cold either, but you probably don’t want them in your house. Seal cracks and openings to keep pests from seeking shelter inside.
Avoid frozen locks. Don’t get locked outside in the snow! Use lock lubricant or deicer to ensure outdoor locks are easy to operate, even when it’s freezing outside.
Prepare Your Home For Winter Weather
Don’t forget one of the most important items on your checklist – ensuring you have the homeowners insurance coverage you need. The weather outside may get frightful, but Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee is here to help you feel protected this winter. Check in with your agent today to make sure you have everything you need for this season and beyond.
