Proper insulation during the cold winter heating season. Cozy house with knitted cap placed on the roof. Energy efficiency and warmth. Save electricity with effective home insulation.

Winterizing Your Home with ReStor Co Tips

by with No Comment Residential RestorationServices

As the cold months approach, homeowners need to prepare their homes to withstand harsh winter conditions. From preventing drafts to protecting outdoor furniture, a few proactive steps can help reduce energy bills, prevent costly repairs, and keep your home cozy. Winterizing may seem like a daunting task, but this guide will walk you through essential steps to help you get started—and if you need professional assistance, ReStor Co. has you covered!

Essential Winterization Steps for Your Home

1. Add Weather Stripping to Doors and Windows

Prevent cold air from seeping into your home by adding weather stripping around doors and windows. Storm doors and windows create an extra barrier against the chill, reducing the strain on your heating system and cutting down on energy costs. Installing door sweeps is also a simple, affordable solution to keep drafts at bay.

2. Check and Clean Your Fireplace

An annual inspection is essential to ensure your fireplace is safe for use. For wood-burning fireplaces, remove animal nests and creosote buildup, which can be hazardous. Electric fireplaces also require regular cleaning and maintenance to operate smoothly.

3. Clean the Gutters

Clear gutters prevent clogging, which can lead to water damage when melting snow has nowhere to drain. Consider adding gutter guards to help minimize debris accumulation, and make sure your gutters are cleaned out after the last leaves have fallen.

4. Seal Drafts in Windows and Doors

Apply caulking around windows and foam protectors in electrical outlets to block drafts. Ensure your attic is adequately insulated, as most heat loss occurs in this area.

5. Get a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature efficiently, saving on energy costs by lowering the temperature when you’re not home.

6. Protect Your Plants and Outdoor Items

Bring delicate plants inside before temperatures dip below 45°F. Store outdoor furniture and grills in a sheltered location to protect them from snow and ice. For grills, remember to disconnect propane tanks before storing.

Winterizing your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. ReStor Co. offers comprehensive winterization services to ensure your home is prepared to face the winter season. Contact us today at (573) 472-0441 to schedule a winterization consultation. Let our team help you protect your home and enjoy a warm, energy-efficient winter.

Single family home in suburban Philadelphia. Yellow Norway Maple leaves and tree

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Prepare Your Home for Colder Months

by Safety TipsServices

As temperatures drop and autumn settles in, now is the perfect time to get your home ready for the colder weather ahead. While many homeowners focus on spring cleaning and maintenance, fall is equally important for keeping your home safe, energy-efficient, and comfortable throughout the winter. By tackling a few key tasks, you can prevent expensive damage and enjoy peace of mind during the colder months.

Why Fall Home Maintenance is Critical

During winter, your home faces stress from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Without proper upkeep, you risk heating system failures, drafts, water damage, clogged gutters, and even structural issues. Completing these tasks before the cold sets in ensures your home will withstand the elements and run efficiently. It’s much easier and safer to handle these projects in the mild fall weather rather than waiting for freezing conditions.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

1. Clean Your Gutters
Once the trees shed their leaves, clear out debris from your gutters to prevent clogs. Blocked gutters can cause water damage to your roof, foundation, and walls. After cleaning, consider installing gutter guards to minimize future blockages.

Call Restor Co today for a free quote on Gutter Cleaning: (573) 472-0441

2. Get an HVAC Tune-Up
Schedule a professional HVAC inspection in mid-October to ensure your heating system is functioning properly. A well-maintained system reduces the risk of costly repairs during peak winter use and can lower your utility bills by improving energy efficiency.

3. Change HVAC Filters
Dirty filters can reduce the efficiency of your heating system, leading to higher energy costs. Replacing filters regularly ensures smooth operation and extends the life of your HVAC system.

4. Repair and Seal Windows
Drafty windows are responsible for up to 30% of heat loss in your home. Inspect windows for cracks, gaps, and broken seals. Repair any damage or consider upgrading to energy-efficient models to save on heating costs.

5. Inspect the Roof
Fall is the best time for a roof inspection. Look for damaged shingles, flashing, or signs of wear. Ensuring your roof is in good condition helps prevent leaks, ice dams, and structural damage during heavy snowfalls.

Call Restor Co today to schedule your Roof Inspection: (573) 472-0441

6. Clean Solar Panels
Dirt and debris reduce the efficiency of solar panels. Clean your panels in mid-October to maximize energy production during the winter months.

Call Restor Co today for a free quote on Solar Panel Cleaning: (573) 472-0441

7. Winterize Your Sprinkler System and Outdoor Faucets
Before the first frost, drain your sprinkler system and outdoor faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, which can lead to costly repairs.

8. Clean Fireplace Flues
Before lighting your first fire, have your chimney professionally cleaned to remove creosote buildup, which is a major fire hazard. A clean chimney also improves air quality inside your home.

9. Prepare Your Lawn and Garden
Aerate your lawn and apply fall fertilizer to promote healthy root growth. Raking leaves and cleaning up garden beds will protect your lawn during the winter and make spring cleanup easier.

10. Inspect and Test Safety Features
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries, and check the expiration dates on fire extinguishers. Having these devices in working order is essential for your family’s safety during the colder months.

Final Thoughts

By spending a little time on fall home maintenance, you can save money, prevent damage, and enjoy a more comfortable home this winter. Focus on critical areas like your heating system, roof, gutters, windows, and outdoor plumbing to keep your home running smoothly throughout the season.