We all know how bad and cold winter may get in Illinois. It is always a good idea to prepare yourself for those cold days, but it is also smart to remember that your Rockford house also needs to be prepared. Modern Times Homes have been buying and selling houses in Rockford for quite some time, and we realized that a lot of people waste tons of money when it comes to heating their homes. We thought it would be a good idea to give you tips on how to prepare your Rockford house before cold weather hits, so you could stay cozy and warm without spending too much money on your bills.
Each year cold days come unexpectedly in Illinois. We never know if October will still be warm and sunny like September, or if it will bring early winter. While you still have nice weather you should plan weekends or off days to work around your Rockford home to prepare it for the winter.
The most important thing is to check if your windows and exterior doors are properly insulated. If they are not you can do it by spraying in the insulation, weather stripping or putting caulk around doors and windows. If you don’t do it the cold air will be coming in through small cracks causing your heater to run all day and night trying to keep your house warm. In the end you will end up paying a huge bill for the gas. Also, have a specialist come check your heating and air system, just to make sure it works properly.
Another important thing that needs to be taken care of before winter hits Rockford is checking if plumbing pipes are insulated correctly, especially in unheated areas such as crawl space, garage or attic. Freezing of the pipes may result in flooding your Rockford house, and resulting in expensive repair costs. Also, remember to shut off outdoor faucets and store garden hoses inside.
Cleaning gutters should also be on your to do list before winter; wait till all the leaves fall off the trees to do it. When the gutters are full of leaves they overflow causing water to run down your home, destroying your exterior. Good idea is to instal gutter screens to prevent them from backing up in the future.
If you have a chimney in your Rockford home it is a good idea to check it and clean it by a specialist before you start using it again during cold winter evenings. Also, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors if they work properly. House fires like to happen during winter.
Fall is a great season to work on your lawn if you want to have beautiful grass in the summer. Wait for the heat to break and prepare it for the next season. Aerate and overseed. This will help grow it stronger and greener next season.
Also, don’t forget to put your patio furniture in the garage or shed, or at least cover them up so they don’t destroy during cold weather !
Hope we could help you get ready for the winter!
If you are ready to sell your Rockford house, give us a call at (847) 242 2212. We will provide no obligation CASH offer, no closing cost and no commission ! We buy houses in AS-IS condition so you don’t have to worry about preparing your house for sale.