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There’s a lot to love about living in the Pacific Northwest, but winter does have its challenges. But at least there’s skiing and sledding to name just a few positive benefits. However, before you start prepping your winter sports gear, make sure you prep your home. Even a home from an outstanding home builder in Portland WA like Garrette Custom Homes needs some winterizing.

First off, make sure your roof, gutters and walkways are clear of leaves. They can become incredibly slippery when frozen. Also try to make sure there are no uneven areas in your yard that may fill with water or snow that may become icy, especially if you have kids who will likely be playing outdoors.

With the weather often being temperamental, ranging from unseasonably warm to crazy cold, it’s best to be prepared for all occurrences. It’s a good idea to prep your outdoor irrigation system. Hit up the local home and garden store for specialized foam or just grab some old towels and zip ties to insulate any exposed pipes, along with exterior faucets, and hose bibs. Don’t forget to properly store garden hoses, external sprinklers and other forms of drip irrigation so they don’t crack or get damaged during the winter.

While you’re at it, make sure any interior pipes in basements, garages and other areas that aren’t always protected from cold temperatures are also insulated, just to be on the safe side.

Make the most of your programmable thermostat and set the timer on a lower temperature when you’re going to be gone most of the day. Then you can set it to come on 30-minutes to an hour before you arrive home so that you save money during the day, but still have a comfortable home when you return. If you’re going to be gone for days at a time, such as over the holidays, set your thermostat at 55F to keep all pipes safe from freezing and bursting.

Speaking of thermostats, make sure you regularly clean or change the filters on your HVAC system. Clogged filters make the furnace work harder, which not only costs more money, but can also lead to problems down the line, not to mention the effect on the air quality within the home.

Don’t forget to check any wood and paint on the exterior of your house. Cracks and peeling allow water in, which can do real damage over time. Be sure to fix any damaged areas with caulk and fresh paint. Also give the rest of your home’s exterior a good look, checking that all corners, flashing, drains, skylights, and other items are attached and sealed properly and won’t cause damage or leaks.

Finally, to keep your lawn healthy during the winter, prep it with a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. This encourages root growth rather than top growth.

These are a few simple tips to keep your home running efficiently throughout the winter. Fortunately, with a brand new home from a top home builder in Portland WA, like Garrette Custom Homes, your home should be in good shape and just needs minor care to see it through the winter.

Categorized in: Community Info, Fall Tips, Home Decor Tips, New Home Tips

This post was written by Garrette Custom Homes