Image by Tracy Adams from Unsplash
Winter can be both a beautiful and dreaded season for homeowners. It often arrives with various weather challenges that may affect your home. Snow, ice, cold temperatures, and other harsh elements can cause problems in your house or impact your energy bills if you are not prepared. If you are new to an area or a long-term occupant, the steps below will help you winterize your home while the weather is still mild.
Schedule a Heating Check-Up
Schedule a service call for your furnace and HVAC system before the winter season storms in. A professional will check for leaks and blockages in and around vents and pipes while also maximizing the efficiency of your system, cleaning or replacing air filters and verifying thermostat functionality.
Prepare Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are a problem homeowners face during the winter season. This can be the case even if you live in a relatively temperate climate. You can prepare for this by carrying out a full pipe check on your property. Walk around your home to inspect the visible pipes. Search for pipes that have cracks or any access points where cold air can come in. Seal any openings you find with caulk, insulation foam, or aluminum tape (as appropriate). If your home is older, you may consider using heat tape around exposed pipes as a precaution.
Seal Windows, Doors and the Attic
Sealing areas around your door frames, windows and attic openings where cold air may come through can help keep your heat inside where it belongs. There are inexpensive, effective materials like plastic, foam, vinyl, and felt that can be used for this purpose. If you’re unsure about where to begin, speak to a professional about what material and application method is best for the area you’re hoping to seal. If you are interested in a more in-depth assessment, your local utility provider may offer an inspection service to help you keep your energy costs low.
Get Smart with Your Thermostat
A smart thermostat could be a helpful addition to your home. These work by adjusting to your heating needs — raising the temperature when your household calls for it and lowering the temperature while you’re sleeping or away at work or school. Smart thermostats can help to improve energy efficiency as they learn your schedule.
Meet Kimberly Jokela:
With a genuine passion in people Kimberly loves helping her clients make their real estate dreams or needs come to life! Specializing in Luxury, Vacation, Retirement or Investment properties.
Born and raised in the midwest in a family with a strong work ethic, filled with creativity & dedication.
Her determination lead her to attend college at the "Philadelphia Performing Arts" where she had the opportunity to follow her passion in the Arts & to travel. Living in California with her husband Rick for 15 years together they built a successful business. After the birth of her beautiful daughter Brittany, seeking a "small town” coastal lifestyle, they took a trip to Naples Florida & fell in love with all it has to offer and made the jump!
With now over 17 years experience as a licensed Realtor serving Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero & Fort Myers.
A great listener, negotiator & connector, Kimberly is dedicated to helping her clients looking to BUY their ideal Florida property!
Her warm & friendly personality is present in everything she does on her clients behalf!
Kimberly’s creativity & "out of the box" thinking gives her clients the extra leverage they need when SELLING a property.
Her well organized marketing includes professionally produced photography, video, drone imagery, media presentation in print, numerous online websites & social media!