By New Dimensions Federal Credit Union
Still need to get ready for winter? Having a checklist may help to ensure that you’re not overlooking anything.
As homeowners, you know you need to stay on top of repairs and maintenance of your home. You can save yourself a significant amount of money by ensuring that your home is ready for the frigid temperatures and snowy conditions of winter. By winterizing your home, not only do you and your family stay warmer, but you can save big on your home heating costs.
Here are 10 tips to start your winter preparations:
* Replace weather-stripping around doors and windows to prevent cold air from entering the home (and heat from escaping). * Buy a programmable thermostat and set it for a cooler temperature when you’re not home and when you’re sleeping. * Maintain your furnace to keep it running efficiently and be sure to wrap your hot water heater for better efficiency. * Reverse your ceiling fans so they rotate clockwise. This will push the warmer air down so it can recirculate throughout the room. * Clean out your gutters to prevent water damage and ice buildup under the shingles. * Get your snow shovel and sand/salt all ready. Keeping your walkways clear and safe is a winter necessity. * Trim tree branches in your yard to help prevent power outages. * Set up an emergency kit (flashlights, candles, water, non-perishable foods, etc.) in the event of power outages. * Have your snow blower, plow truck, generator maintained. * Add heat tape to exposed pipes to help prevent frozen pipes.
While preparing for the winter months, prepare your budget as well. If you need assistance with your budget to include fuel and other home maintenance, we are available to do a one-on-one budgeting session with you at your convenience. Contact Carrielyn Reynold, financial education coordinator, at 207-872-2771 or by email at creynolds@newdimensionsfcu.com.
