Call Us 763-241-0656 ☰ ˟
327 Main Street NW • Elk River, MN 55330 •

Insurance professionals that have your back

Request a quote
Logo

Call us today!

763-241-0656
graphical user interface, text
  • Main Menu
    • Home Page
    • Secure File Area
    • Refer a Friend
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Important Links
    • Insurance Glossary
    • View our Blog
    • Our Locations
    • Employee Directory
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Automobile
    • Automobile Insurance Home
    • Auto Insurance Quote
  • Homeowners
    • Homeowners Insurance Home
    • Homeowners Insurance Quote
  • Business & Commercial
    • Business & Commercial Insurance Home
    • Business Owners (BOP) Quote Form
  • Other
    • Other Insurance Home
    • Billing Questions
Home > Blog > Winter Home Maintenance Tips

Winter Home Maintenance Tips

auto insurance broker, auto insurance quotes, bad credit auto insurance, bad credit car insurance companies, bad credit car insurance monthly payment, best car insurance for bad credit, snowmobile insurance, ATV insurance, RV insurance, cabin insurance, car insurance brokers, car insurance companies, car insurance, car insurance quotes

Preparing your home for winter is an important annual ritual for homeowners. For instance, did you know that adding insulation in your attic before winter arrives can help prevent ice dams this winter? And do not forget that tuning up your heating system now can help prevent more costly emergency repairs at the height of a storm, when it can be difficult to find supplies and licensed contractors. The following winter maintenance tips can help you prepare your home to withstand another cold season.

Heating System

Before you give your heating system a workout this winter, take the time for preventive maintenance. It may help extend the life of your system and identify potential problems

Before Winter:

  • Have your furnace or boiler checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year, preferably before the heating season begins.
  • Clean or replace the furnace filter on forced hot air systems.
  • Have your chimney checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year. Pay particular attention to having creosote buildup removed from chimneys servicing woodstoves and fireplaces.

During Winter:

  • Have your fuel tanks filled and keep an eye on levels throughout the winter.
  • Set your heat no lower than 55 degrees as the temperature inside the walls where water piping is located is colder than the living spaces; open doors to unoccupied rooms to keep an even temperature throughout the house.
  • Maintain your wood-burning or pellet stoves according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Insulation

insurance for bad credit, insurance quotes, no credit check car insurance, progressive auto insurance, progressive car insurance, renters insurance, small business insurance, self-employed health insurance, business liability insurance, commercial general liability insurance, contractor insurance, general liability insurance costIs your insulation prepared to protect you from the cold? As an important line of defense from winter’s gusty winds and freezing temperatures, it is worth taking time to inspect and upgrade insulation and weather stripping before the season starts.

  • Add extra insulation in the attic to help guard against ice dams. If too much heat escapes into the attic, it can warm the ice and snow on the roof. When it refreezes, it can cause an ice dam, which can lead to water damage inside your home or possibly even a roof collapse.
  • Add weather stripping around doors and caulk windows to guard against drafts and heat loss.
  • Remove screens from windows and install storm windows, if appropriate.

Utilities

Freezing temperatures can be especially damaging to your home’s water piping. Make sure your pipes are adequately prepared to withstand a cold snap and remember to take extra precautions if you are going to be leaving your home, including shutting off your water.

  • Check for water leaks and fix problems immediately; wrap water piping in UL-Listed heat tape and insulate if it is exposed in unheated areas such as garages, crawl spaces or attics. Use only thermostatically-controlled heat tape if your water piping is plastic, and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
  • Learn how to shut off your water and know where your pipes are located in case they do freeze; you may be able to prevent water damage.

Winter Safety Measures

auto insurance broker Elk River, auto insurance quotes Elk River, bad credit auto insurance Elk River, bad credit car insurance companies Elk River, bad credit car insurance monthly payment Elk River, best car insurance for bad credit Elk River, snowmobile insurance Elk River, ATV insurance Elk River, RV insurance Elk River, cabin insurance Elk River, car insurance brokers Elk River, car insurance companies Elk River, car insurance Elk River, car insurance quotes Elk RiverAs you prepare for winter, following are some further safety measures that are especially important during the cold season.

  • Trim trees and remove dead branches so they do not damage your home or injure someone if they fall because of ice, snow or wind.
  • Keep gutters clear of leaves, sticks and other debris to help ensure melting snow can drain properly. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
  • Repair steps and handrails to make them safer in the ice and snow.
  • Check smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries to ensure they are operating properly.

Key Supplies and Equipment

The first storm of the year can come sooner than you think. Stock up early and get key equipment, like snow blowers  insurance for bad credit Zimmerman, insurance quotes Anoka, no credit check car insurance Princeton, progressive auto insurance Otsego, progressive car insurance Rogers, renters insurance Princeton, small business insurance Anoka, self-employed health insurance Ramsey, business liability insurance Otsego, commercial general liability insurance Ramsey, contractor insurance Ramsey, general liability insurance cost Anokaand generators, in good working condition long before you need them, so you can be prepared to enjoy what the season has to offer.

  • Make sure you have snow shovels and a roof rake on hand. Stock your ice melting compound to melt ice on walkways.
  • Have your snow blower and generator serviced and any necessary repairs made.
  • Keep fuel for snow blowers and generators in approved safety containers and away from heat or flame-producing devices. Do not store fuel in your basement.

2019 readers choice star news winner

For more information on auto insurance and affordable: travel, home, health and business insurance quotes, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 763-241-0656 or visit us online at www.elkagency.com  The Elk Agency is an insurance broker vs. a "direct writer," which means we have more options for you.

 

*Re-posted by: https://www.travelers.com/resources/home/maintenance/winter-home-maintenance-tips

Carrierlogo, company namelogoCarrier Carrier CarrierlogoCarrier Carrier Carrier Carrier Carrier Carrier Carrierlogo, company name

How can we help you?

Our expert advisors are ready to assess your needs.

Call Us 763-241-0656
Logo
Social Social Social Social
Resources Home Our Products Our Carriers Blog About Us Privacy Policy
Contact 327 Main Street NW
Elk River, MN 55330
Phone: 763-241-0656 Fax: 763-441-7216
© Copyright. All rights reserved. Powered by Insurance Website Builder