After a glorious fall in the Northwest, the seasons have finally begun to turn. For new homeowners, this is a perfect time to add heavier bedcovers, cozier rugs, and a few door sweeps to keep out the draft. But new home owners can also benefit from certain “winterizing” chores. Here, the Hayden Homes team provides a few tips to help you prepare your new home for winter in the west.
 
Gutters
Now that the beautiful fall leaves have fallen, remove them and other debris from your home’s gutters so that winter’s rain and melting snow can drain. Clogged drains can form ice dams, in which water backs up, freezes and causes water to seep into the house!
 
Pipes
A burst pipe from a winter freeze is a nightmare, so make certain that the water to your hose bibs is shut off inside your home (via a turnoff valve), and that the lines are drained. Also be aware of pipes that aren’t insulated, or that pass through unheated spaces (such as crawlspaces, basements or garages). Wrap them with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation, available at hardware stores.
 
Fans
By reversing the direction of your fan from its summer operation, you can help push warm air downward and force it to recirculate, keeping you more comfortable. How do you know that your fan is ready for winter? As you look up, the blades should be turning clockwise
 
Stay cozy this season!