Winter is on the way, and home owners should preparing their homes for the colder temperatures. The National Association of Home Builders Remodelers suggested home maintenance tips to increase energy efficiency and lessen the chance of emergency repairs.

“Before winter weather sets in, spend some time improving and protecting the inside of your home,” says NAHB Remodelers Chairman Robert Criner. “Fall is a good time to check mechanical systems and combat drafts. It’s also an opportune time to organize the details of your next remodeling project and save space on the calendar of a professional remodeler.”

Share these tips with your prospects to help them better protect their home during the colder months ahead.

1. Ensure there are no gaps in insulation or crawl spaces that expose pipes to cold air, which could put the pipes at risk of freezing and bursting.
2. Have your heating system checked by a licensed technician before cold weather requires daily use.
3. Block drafts around doors, windows and baseboards with weather stripping, window film and caulk to control heat loss.
4. Install storm doors and windows to improve energy-efficiency and get rid of drafts.
5. Have chimneys cleaned by an experienced chimney sweep to prevent the risk of a fire from buildup or blockages.
6. Spray door locks with powdered-graphite lubricant to prevent freezing and sticking.
7. Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to force rising warm air back towards the floor.

Source: National Association of Home Builders Remodelers

http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2015/10/21/7-tips-get-home-winter-ready