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Keep Your Home Cozy & Winter-Ready This December!

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899

As December’s chill sets in, a little home maintenance can go a long way in ensuring your space stays warm, safe, and ready for the winter months. From preparing your pipes to fine-tuning your heating system, these essential tasks will help you enjoy the holidays without worrying about unexpected repairs. Let’s dive into the steps to keep your home snug and secure:

u Maintain the Trees on Your Property

Snow and ice can weigh down tree branches, posing a risk to your home and yard. Trim overhanging limbs near your roof, windows, or power lines to prevent potential damage. Regular tree care also reduces the risk of clogged gutters and keeps your property looking tidy all season long.

uReverse Ceiling Fans

Did you know ceiling fans can help heat your home in winter? Switch them to a clockwise rotation at a low speed. This simple adjustment pushes warm air from the ceiling back down, making your living space feel more comfortable without overworking your heating system.

u Check Your Heating System

Your furnace is the star of the season, so make sure it’s in top shape! Schedule a professional inspection to ensure safe and efficient operation. Replace air filters for better airflow and energy efficiency. Don’t forget to test your thermostat and adjust the settings for cozy indoor temperatures.

uClean Out the Gutters

Clearing your gutters is crucial during winter. Fallen leaves and debris can cause blockages, leading to ice dams that damage your roof and foundation. Ensure downspouts are clear and direct water away from your home. This small effort prevents big headaches later!

uPrevent Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s nightmare. Wrap exposed pipes in insulation and let faucets drip on freezing nights to keep water flowing. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate, especially in areas with less heating.


uGet Your Sprinkler System Blown Out

Winterizing your sprinkler system is a must to avoid costly damage. Hire a professional to blow out the system and remove residual water. This prevents freezing and cracking in pipes and sprinkler heads, saving you from repairs come springtime.

Stay One Step Ahead This Winter
By tackling these maintenance tasks now, you’ll enjoy peace of mind all season long. A warm, safe home means you can focus on creating holiday memories with loved ones without worry.

Stay warm, stay safe, and have a joyful December!

 

 

 

 

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I specialize in Listing and Selling homes in the NW Austin Area. I use my experience to guide clients through the process, whether selling or buying. It’s a beautiful thing when your career and a passion come together. I love what I do!

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Dorie... great list. Happy to report that my irrigation system was blown out some weeks ago and furnaces serviced as well. No ceiling fans in my house... so nothing to reverse. Always happy to have one less thing to worry about!

Dec 04, 2024 05:17 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Good for you Nina Hollander, Broker ! We are ahead of the winter maintenance jobs!

Dec 04, 2024 06:11 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Dorie - once again, "location" matters a lot when it comes to property maintenance at any time.  Of course, there are things that are applicable in most homes but understanding the nuances of your area as well as your particular property can make a big difference.  Your list is definitely a good starting point.  

Dec 04, 2024 05:19 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Thank you Michael Jacobs. You are so right, depending on the part of the country you live in the tips will vary!

Dec 04, 2024 06:12 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Yes Dorie, Some home maintenance can go a long way in keeping your space warm, safe, and ready for a worry-free winter and holiday season!

Dec 04, 2024 05:51 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Depending on your area Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 following normal maintenance tips is the right thing to do!

Dec 04, 2024 06:13 AM
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Dorie Dillard Austin TX 

Great reminders for the winter, even here in Florida it can get in the 30's or lower. Stay warm:) Katina

Dec 04, 2024 06:06 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Thank you for stopping by Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308 !!

Dec 04, 2024 06:13 AM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

I normally wrap the faucets on Halloween, just so I don't forget. 

Dec 04, 2024 06:21 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Good way to remember Doug Rogers 

Dec 04, 2024 08:04 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Excellent tips Dorie Dillard Austin TX . Up North here we need to take a few additional steps and even go a little further on the ones you mention. I think the most important one (now I sound like a RE student in the Rain) is to make sure a professional HVAC person tune up your furnace.

Dec 04, 2024 06:40 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - all good tips and reasons why home maintenance is so important!

Dec 04, 2024 07:07 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

All great winter time maintenance tips. I also cover my air conditioning unit to keep it in better shape from the harsher weather we get. 

Dec 04, 2024 08:06 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

Great post....and Some great tips here for all the Non-Floridians...bahaha

Dec 04, 2024 08:09 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Doris and thank you for your great blog for this Holiday season.  Hope you are finishing your Shopping.

 

Dec 04, 2024 08:59 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Dorie- those are excellent tips. When we returned to Houston, we bought those bib covers for our outdoor faucets. And, yes, let's keep the limbs away from the power lines. 

Dec 04, 2024 11:10 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

These are good reminders to share.

We are enjoying our gas firelace that we has cleaned and serviced this week.

Dec 04, 2024 01:15 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Dorie Dillard Austin TX, for sharing these invaluable tips for winter home maintenance! Your insights inspire us to keep our homes safe and cozy during the chilly months.

Dec 04, 2024 02:42 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Dorie here in CT there are a few simple things that are a must in getting ready for Winter, especially protecting pipes from getting frozen.

Dec 04, 2024 04:22 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Dorie, great list for home maintenance this time of year.   Always feels good to be on top of these items.

Dec 04, 2024 05:38 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Those are all excellent tips for keeping your home cozy and winter ready this December, Dorie.

Dec 04, 2024 05:53 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Loved your idea about reversing ceiling fans, half the time Diane & I get confused which way it is supposed to go:) Thanks to Mr Google we sort it out, Endre

Dec 04, 2024 10:12 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

These are really good tips but I have never found much merit in reversing the fans in my home, it only confuses me, haha.  I need to learn more about that.

Dec 05, 2024 05:12 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

Good evening Dorie, regular maintenance is so very important for the health of the home. Cleaning out gutters can save the soffit and prevent wood rot as well. Thank you for the tips!

Dec 05, 2024 06:48 PM