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The first storm of the season arrived with a vengeance and caught some homeowners by surprise as they scrambled to remove soggy leaves from gutters and clean up fallen tree branches in the yard. Sometimes the first rainstorm serves as a wake-up call for homeowners to get their homes ready for winter.
After checking the roof for leaks and any needed repairs, homeowners can take some steps indoors to ensure they stay warm this winter and conserve energy at the same time. PG&E offers the following tips for winterizing homes.
Fireplace flues and kitchen and dryer vents are often poorly sealed where they pass through walls and ceilings. These leaks can be fixed with a combination of heat-resistant caulking and metal collar plates, which are available at most hardware stores.
Check all the pipes in the home, including those servicing the sink, bathtub, water heater and washing machine. Fill gaps around these pipes with insulation and then seal with caulking or wall patch.
Many doorways have large gaps along the doorframe and threshold. Install or replace weather stripping around the door and along the threshold.
Up to 25 percent of the energy spent heating a home is lost through raised floors. A considerable amount of energy can by saved by insulating floors.
Clean or replace furnace and air conditioner filters monthly.
For more winter readiness tips, visit www.pge.com.
Information provided in this column is presented by the Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at www.silvar.org. Send questions on any topic to jnewton@jnpr.com.
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