NOVA Homes Blog: 4 Ways to Prepare Your Northern Virginia Home for Winter

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

4 Ways to Prepare Your Northern Virginia Home for Winter

Temperatures are dropping and the snow is falling in Northern Virginia— winter is almost here! But even if you're feeling ready for the snowy season to settle in, your home in Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, Mount Vernon and Centreville will need some attention.

Bundling up the attic and protecting your pipes are just two winter preparation tasks to cross off of your list this month!

Insulate the hot water heater

Depending on where your water heater is located in your Northern Virginia home, insulation can be especially important this winter. If the heater is located in the garage, for instance, it will have to work that much harder to heat in such a cold room. Adding an insulating blanket over your heater can help it to remain efficient all winter long.

Find gaps and holes where heat can escape

Heating your home can be pricey— you don't want to let all of the heat escape out of a tiny crack in the attic or through faulty windows. Take a walk around your home, feeling for places where cold air may be creeping in (and thus, heat traveling out). Pay attention to window panes and around door frames.

Warm up the attic

By repairing the insulation in your NoVa home's attic, you can save up to 20 percent on utility bills. Be sure to patch any air leaks here and check that your attic door is just as insulated as the rest of the space.

Protect the pipes

Water can freeze inside your pipes and cause them to burst, giving way to an expensive repair bill. To prevent this, always keep your thermostat set at or above 55 degrees F, even if you'll be away from home.

Winter can be a lovely time in Northern Virginia, don't let these common homeowner hassles get you down. I have decades of experience working in the real estate market and I'd be happy to assist you with your homebuyer or seller goals this year!

I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna.

Earle Whitmore

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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