Good Lifestyle

Prepare for winter It is not only to drag ropes and burst the sweaters. As the temperature starts to drop, your home also needs additional attention. In fact, not wintering your home correctly winter can end up costing you long -term money, according to a recent Viral Instagram post Since Barbara "Babs" Costello , the popular stratospheric life style influencer known as @brunchwithbabs.

The winter interruption Your home is not exactly a glamorous job. As Costello points out, most of the required steps are to take measures to prevent something worse (read: extremely expensive) from happening. But once you are done, you can be assured that your home is defined for the season. Here are the five steps you can and should take to prepare your home for winter.

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The most important thing you can do to prepare your home for winter is to exchange your furnace filters. But don't do it once and call it one day: be sure to change them about every three months. (The fingers have crossed winter in your region does not really last that long.)

"If you do not replace your filters every 90 days, you spend up to 15% more for your heating bills," explains Costello.

In addition, old filters can put additional pressure on your air ducts, which potentially leads to a complete collapse of your heating system. Replacement of the heating system can cost you from $ 4,000 to $ 12,000, according to Costello. Furnine filters, on the other hand, tend to be less than $ 50 POP in retailers like Home Depot.

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The frozen pipes represent up to a fifth of the complaints of material damage, according to estimates Of Thomas & Galbraith, an HVAC and plumbing company based in Ohio.

While the temperature falls below freezing levels, the water in your pipes will turn into ice, which makes these pipes expand, crack and, in some cases, burst. When winter ends and the temperature increases, the ice then melts, potentially causing serious water lesions.

But it is not difficult to prevent: completely turn off the water source to your exterior, then drain all remaining water in the pipe at the beginning of winter. For more caution, Costello recommends completely disconnecting your pipe and put it inside for the season.

Finally, you could go so far as to install a temporary foam cover to prevent your pipes from inflating. "If you don't do it and your pipes freeze and burst, it can cost you up to $ 1,000," notes Costello.

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Whether you do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you, make sure your gutters are away from the leaves, twigs and other congestion before winter settles. If possible, you will want to avoid doing it when the leaves are wet and luscious; It will be a much easier process if you can get them when wet or dry. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Blocked gutters can cause roof damage, major leaks inside your home and even flooded basements, costing you thousands", Costello actions.

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Yes, outdoor furniture is designed for outdoor. But even the strongest tables and outdoor chairs are not intended to withstand cruel winters. If you have the space inside, even a basement or a garage, everything for the season.

Alternatively, Costello recommends covering furniture with a tarpaulin - something that can protect it from elements, especially heavy snow.

"If you don't, you could spend a lot of money to replace this piece of furniture next spring," she said. "Simply invest in a tarpaulin and an elastic cord."

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Changing the batteries in your fire alarm and the carbon monoxide detector is less a tip for winter, in itself, and the more something that you should do each time you give a touch -up to your home, although it is a Task that you cannot put an amount in dollars on. For what? Said Costello, "Your life is invaluable."

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