6 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

ERIE, Pa., Oct. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Winterizing your home can help to lower your energy bills, prevent more costly repairs in the future and reduce the risk of accidents like a home heating fire.

Erie Insurance provides six simple ways you can winterize your home this season.

1. Windows and Doors: You can prevent chilly drafts, and high heating bills, by checking and replacing any worn weather stripping, and caulking any cracks. For loose-fitting doors, slide a draft guard or rolled-up towel underneath to fill the gap.
   
   
2. Gutters: Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent them from leaking or sagging. Clogged gutters and subsequent water issues can cause foundation problems, wall and ceiling damage, or even insect infestations. Just make sure you do it safely – use a tall, sturdy ladder and never stand on the top three rungs.
   
   
3. Roof: Snow can be a heavy burden for an old or damaged roof to handle. Before winter hits, inspect your roof for signs of potential problems, like missing, broken, blistered or curling shingles; cracked caulk or rust spots; or large patches of moss and lichen. Any damaged, loose or missing shingles should be repaired right away.
   
   
4. Trees and Landscaping: Trim any branches hanging near electric wires before they become a problem. Heavy snow and strong winter winds can knock down weak branches, so it's best to do the prep work while the weather's still relatively mild.
   
   
5. Fireplace: Check your fireplace and flue system to remove soot or ashes. Check for cracks that could be a fire hazard. Also, examine the fireplace for drafts. If it's cold despite the damper being closed, the damper itself may need to be repaired or replaced. If you're not planning on using your fireplace at all, invest in a chimney balloon to block the opening.
   
   
6. Furnace: Before you turn up the heat for the season, start by changing (or cleaning) your furnace filter. It's also a good idea to have an HVAC professional check your furnace once per year. Make sure the furnace's burners are free of dust and debris. If you choose to use a space heater for extra warmth, be cautious. Space heaters cause about one-third of all winter house fires and 80 percent of all winter heating fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association. 

You've invested a lot into your home, so make sure you are taking care of it regularly. Contact an Erie Insurance agent to find the right homeowners insurance plan to protect you and your investment should anything happen this winter season.  

About Erie Insurance
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 11th largest homeowners insurer, 13th largest automobile insurer and 13th largest commercial lines insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written. Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company and the 19th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, ERIE has more than 6 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. News releases and more information are available on ERIE's website at www.erieinsurance.com.

SOURCE Erie Insurance Group