Helpful Tips and Advice

The image below will give you some idea as to value for items you add to you home vs over all cost
actual cost will vary as this is for informational purposes only

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Source: eLocal.com

Tips for around your home during winter months

Remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors when you change your clocks.
Change your furnace filters when you change your batteries in the smoke detectors. With winter coming on, your furnace will be working harder and more frequently, and if the filters are clogged or dirty, it will cause your furnace to work even harder to heat your home. It could cost you as much as 20% more in heating costs with clogged filters.
Turn off your hose bibs or spickets at their closest source to the water heater, and open your spickets to drain the water out of the lines as freezing temperatures may cause your pipes to break. If you don't have a shut off valve for your spickets, install an insulated foam cover on your spicket. You can pick up one of these at most any hardware store.
Make sure your windows all seal properly to prevent any unwanted drafts. Also make sure that the caulking sealant around the exterior of your window frame is not cracked or damaged which may cause water leaks.
Install an insulated water heater jacket on your hot water heater. Most water heaters are in the garage, and during the winter, most garages get pretty chilly which will cause your water to cool much quicker. An insulated water heater jacket will help keep your water hotter longer reducing the need for the thermostat to turn on and heat the tank.
Check your attic and crawl space to make sure you dont have any unwanted guests living in your home. Most people never go into their attic or crawl space until its too late. With temperatures dropping, rodents and small birds are looking for someplace warm to spend their winter months, and attic and crawl spaces are ideal places for these critters to go. Plus, you will find out if you have any roof leaks or water in your crawl space, or anything weird that may be going on in your home with out your knowledge.
Make sure you have plenty of flashlights, batteries and candles available for when the occasional power outage occurs.
After the leaves have fallen, inspect your gutters or hire a gutter professional to clean your gutters to make sure they function properly.
Fertilize your lawn with a winter fertilizer so you have a plush green lawn in the spring.