Winterizing your Huntsville Alabama Home

By
Real Estate Agent with Assoc. Broker/Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, @HomesBirmingham & Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL

Winterizing your Huntsville Alabama Home

My little corner of the world is Northern Alabama, more specifically, Huntsville Alabama.  And while this area doesn't see the low temperatures that the northern states do it does get cold and even snows...we are not talking blizzards.  Anyway, below are a few tips that will save you a few dollars in utility bills and make for a more comfortable indoors winter season. 

Autumn is now in full swing, such as it is in Huntsville Alabama which means it’s a good time to start winterizing your home.

Winterizing your Huntsville Alabama HomeBegin by interviewing for a reliable heating and air conditioning company and getting your furnace inspected and cleaned if necessary. Changing the filters on your furnace every month is recommended, for better energy efficiency. You may also want to consider getting a programmable thermostat if you do not have one.

Your fireplace deserves a close look and may need attention, as well. Outdoor critters can be kept at bay by installing a cap or screen at the top of the chimney and since many home fires can be attributed to chimeny fires you should consider hiring a chimney sweep if it’s been a while since the chimney was cleaned. Firewood for wood burning fireplaces should be stored in a dry place, away from the exterior of your home and make sure the damper opens and closes properly.

Check the doors and windows of your home. Put weatherstripping around doors and caulk windows to keep cold air out and  sealing any exterior cracks. If storm windows are stored now is the time to replace them.

You should also clean out the rain gutters around your home. Use a hose to clean out leaves and debris. It’s also a good idea to put leaf guards on the gutters and extensions on downspouts diverting water away from your home, as well. Walk around your home checking your foundation for any place small animals could squeeze through and seal those areas up. Outside critters are always looking for a warm place to hide in the winter and the last thing you need when it’s cold is a rodent problem.

This is also a great time to prepare your garden tools for the winter months. Drain gasoline from your lawnmower and check to make sure your snow blower is in working order...okay so snow isn't a major threat in Huntsville Alabama, but a little north of this area snow can accumulate and a snow blower makes short work of the white stuff. If your rakes or snow shovels are getting worn out, it may be time to replace them. After cleaning and drying, store summer gardening tools so they will stay in good shape over the changing seasons.

Of course, you can always spend a little of that winter time preventing cabin fever by searching for your next dream home by following this link:  Homes for sale in Northern Alabama

If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you! I also know outstanding agents in all states and Canada should you need help relocating to a new area.

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Comments (8)

George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Nick all this is good advice.  The grass will get cut one more time, and then it goes in the shed and the snow blower gets moved into the garage.  I got a feeling it is going to get used a few times this year.

Nov 01, 2013 09:08 AM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Hi, Nick...doing a some simple things now, can really help save on heating bills later, and making sure your chimney is clean is very important. Chimney fires are dangerous.

Nov 01, 2013 12:53 PM
Kwee Huset
Kwee Huset Realty - Venice, FL
Venice Florida Homes For Sale

Hi Nick, great tips on preparing for the cold winter.

Nov 01, 2013 01:39 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Nick, winterizing your home is different in different areas of the country.   Great advice!

Nov 02, 2013 01:30 AM
Marie Graham
Owner, The Refreshed Home White Plains NY - White Plains, NY
Westchester County Interior Decorator, Home Stager

NICK! Great topic, just what first-time new home owners, or anyome who's from a warmer climate/not used to seasonal changes needs to know.

Nov 02, 2013 01:43 AM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker/Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, @HomesBirmingham & Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Hun... - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

George-yes, my lawn tractor won't go into winter hibernation for a while yet.

Debbie-ah the joys of home ownership!

Kwee-they are pretty basic steps that can save money...it's just normal home maintenance.

Joan-absolutely and your area does present some special challenges.

Marie-agreed and White Plains has certainly seen its share of cold weather.

Nov 02, 2013 04:29 AM
Kathy Clulow
RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Inc. Brokerage - Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results

Nick - cooler temperatures should be enough to make most people look for ways to save on energy costs ..... especially with the todays high costs.

Nov 02, 2013 09:07 AM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

Great tips! Everyone seems to forget those rain gutters. Thanks for the reminder!

Nov 02, 2013 01:05 PM

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