Winter is approaching, and Classic Homes would like to help you ensure that your home survives the harsh winter months.

Treating Ice

• Protect your driveway, stoop and lead walk from winter damage.
• Use of salt or chemical de-icers will damage concrete or asphalt.
• We recommend using fresh sand or kitty litter instead.
• Once the ice and snow has passed, it’s best to hose down your driveway and your vehicles of heavy salt de-icers from the roads.

Hose Bibs

• Prevent problems caused by frozen external pipes.
• Turn off the water to all outside hose bibs at the interior shut-off valve.
• Drain remaining water to prevent it from freezing.
• Disconnect all hoses.

Heat

• Prevent problems caused by frozen internal pipes.
• Always leave the heat on in your home in the winter, even if you plan to be away for weeks at a time.
• Heat the entire home. Even that room in the far corner that no one uses.
• Replace filters in the furnace and humidifier (if applicable).
• Ensure that the condensation line is clear and draining properly.
• Clear debris from around outdoor HVAC units.

Fireplace

• If your home has a wood burning fireplace, be sure it’s ready before using it.
• Clean and inspect the fire box and chimney.
• Check that the screen and air intake/outakes are clear.

Sump Pump

• To prevent possible water damage, be sure your sump pump is working properly.
• Ensure sump pump is operating correctly.
• Check drainage lines for obstructions.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Frozen gutters and downspouts can cause more serious problems than you might expect, including roof damage, leading to leaks into your home.
  Clear gutters, downspouts and ice dams before the winter weather sets in.
• Like a car, your home needs regular maintenance and occasional tune-ups to stay in great shape. As the seasons change there are different tasks to complete to ensure your home remains in top condition.

Winter is finally coming to end, and Classic Homes would like to help you ensure that your home survived the harsh winter months, and is prepared for the coming spring showers and summer heat.

Roofing
It is very important to inspect your roof for any damage caused by the extreme winter temperatures, winds, ice and snow. Look for missing, broken or misshapen shingles. Damaged shingles can allow water to find its way into your home.

Gutters and Downspouts
Check your gutters and downspouts to ensure that water is being diverted away from your home. Gutters should be cleaned routinely to keep them free of leaves, branches and other debris. A clogged gutter can back up, causing water to wash over the sides of the house or into your roof, potentially causing all sorts of damage. Also check for leaks along the seams and corners of your gutters.  

Windows, Doors and Siding
Inspect your home’s windows, exterior doors, and siding, ensuring that caulk seals all gaps. Caulking is important, as it not only keeps cold air out of your home, but water as well. Make sure your caulk adheres properly. Also, check window screens, and make sure all windows are washed inside and out. Clearing windows of debris can help prevent standing water. 

Detector Batteries
Have you checked or changed the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors lately? Experts recommend checking and/or changing detector batteries at least twice a year.

 Water, Heating and Cooling
If your home has a sump pump, ensure that it is clear of debris, and there are no leaks. Clean all vents of debris, dust, etc. Additionally, all drains in your home should be cleaned regularly. Be sure to change or clean heating, ventilation and air conditioning filters. Turn on and check your hose bibs (the outside faucet connecting your hose to your inside plumbing system.) Over time hose bibs can leak and may need to be replaced.

Like a car, your home needs regular maintenance and occasional tune-ups to stay in great shape. As the seasons change there are different tasks to complete to ensure your home remains in top condition, keeping it beautiful for years to come. 

There are many things you can do to help prepare your home for these cold winter months, some require little more than a tube of caulk or a flip of a switch.

Ceiling Fans for Winter
Did you know ceiling fans aren’t just for summer? Some ceiling fans come equipped with a switch to change the fan rotation direction for winter months. This sends the warm air near the ceiling back down into the living space. This can be especially helpful in those difficult to heat two-story areas of your home. Classic Homes come equipped with a ceiling fan pre-wire in some rooms, and they can be added to other areas of your home for a nominal fee.

Fireplaces for Heat?
Traditional fireplaces are not necessarily the heat source people think they are. According to Dominion Power, even with a roaring fire going, it would be more efficient to seal off your fireplace, due to the cold air that comes in through an open flue.

Gas fireplaces however, can be a nice supplemental heat source, especially when positioned strategically in the home. With no need for a pile of firewood and little to no cleaning, an attractive gas fireplace is a wonderful addition to any family or living room. Classic Homes come equipped with gas fireplaces, but if you prefer a good old fashion masonry fireplace, that’s always an option too.

Benefits of Two-Zone Heating
Are the bedrooms upstairs in your home too hot to sleep, while the downstairs living room is barely warm enough to relax on the couch and enjoy a movie? Consider installing a two-zone heating and cooling system in your home. Multiple thermostat systems allow you to set separate temperatures for different areas of your home. The systems work through the use of dampers in your air ducts, wired to a control panel. A two-zone heating system can help you keep a consistent temperature throughout your home, while saving on your energy bills.

Questions about the energy efficiency of Classic Homes? Contact our Sales Team at 301-256-4110.