6 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

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Erie Insurance offers key tips for winterizing homes to lower energy costs and prevent damage. Homeowners are advised to check windows and doors for drafts, clear gutters to avoid water damage, inspect the roof for potential issues, trim trees near power lines, check the fireplace for hazards, and maintain the furnace for efficiency. The company emphasizes the importance of regular home maintenance to protect investments and suggests contacting an Erie Insurance agent for appropriate homeowners insurance.

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• Offers actionable tips for homeowners to prevent winter damage.
• Emphasizes the importance of home maintenance, potentially enhancing customer trust.

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ERIE, Pa., Nov. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Winterizing your home can help to lower your energy bills, prevent bigger 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. Also, know how to spot the signs of a diseased or dying tree. 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 12th 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 16th 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. 

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SOURCE Erie Insurance Group

FAQ

What tips does Erie provide for winterizing a home?

Erie provides tips such as checking windows and doors, clearing gutters, inspecting the roof, trimming trees, checking the fireplace, and maintaining the furnace.

How can winterizing my home save money?

Winterizing helps to reduce heating costs and prevents costly repairs from winter damage.

Where can I find more information about homeowners insurance from Erie?

More information about homeowners insurance can be found on Erie Insurance's website.

What is the significance of winter home maintenance according to Erie?

Erie highlights that regular winter maintenance protects investments and reduces the risk of accidents.