The summer has come and gone and the winter of 2015-2016 is upon us. Frozen pipes, the open flame of your fireplace, icy walkways, and more can all contribute to some serious winter home insurance claims.

Preparing your home for winter's onslaught is a step by step process but can make a big difference in minimizing damage or protecting your family. Here are some tips on how to winterize your home this season.

Step one is getting the right home insurance just in case something does happen. Step two is doing things around your home that can help prevent things like frozen pipes, leaky roofs, and more from happening. Be covered in the event that something does occur, but prepare your home to eliminate the risk of that happening. That’s the thing about insurance, isn’t it? We know we need it, we want to have enough of it, but we try to avoid having to use it.

We found some of the best ways to prepare your home for the winter:

  • Take a look at smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if they need it and make sure overall they are working properly.
  • Have your furnace or boiler checked and serviced. You’re going to want to call a licensed and it’s best to do it before the heating season begins.
  • Have a furnace? Check your filters, chances are they need to be cleaned or replaced.
  • If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, have your chimney checked and serviced by a licensed contractor. Before its’ busy season is a good time to at least get it cleaned.
  • Check roof for missing or damaged shingles and have them replaced. This could help prevent leaks that would cost you a lot more.
  • Stock up on items you will need when it gets snowy and icy, like shovels, salt, and more.

One of the biggest issues and most expensive claims in the winter for homeowners insurance is pipes bursting. There are a lot of things you can do to avoid this problem happening in your home.

  • Here are some things you can do:
  • Always keep your heat above 55 degrees. Remember the temperature inside your walls is lower where the piping is. It’s also best to keep doors open to keep the temperature as even as possible throughout your home.
  • Consider adding weather stripping around doors or caulk around your windows to keep out the cold drafts.
  • Learn how to shut off your water and know where your pipes are located in case they do freeze; you may be able to prevent water damage.

We understand it isn’t just your beloved home that endures winter weather. Here are a couple tips to help winterize your body from the germs this time of year and keep you warm:

  • Wash and disinfect trash cans in your home. The germs that exist on those will be tightly locked up with you this winter.
  • Clean your windows! Dirty windows can reduce the daylight coming in. The sun can help keep your home warmer and more darkness this time of year could make you crazy.

Sources used in this story:

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