Rockford Sun

Living in Illinois requires homeowners to be prepared for the changing weather. The state's climate encompasses all four seasons, and being proactive can prevent costly damages and inconveniences. Winter, while beautiful with its snow and cooler temperatures, also brings challenges such as arctic cold, ice, and potential damage to homes.

Preparing a home for winter might seem daunting, but it can be manageable with some straightforward steps that can be completed over weekends or during free time. A significant cause of homeowner insurance claims is water damage, particularly from frozen and burst pipes. During winter months, it's advisable to wrap pipes and maintain indoor heat at 65 degrees or higher. Knowing the location of the water shutoff valve is crucial for emergencies.

There are several tips for readying a house for winter in Illinois:

- Ensure ceiling fans rotate clockwise to distribute warm air efficiently.

- Protect indoor pipes, especially in basements where many burst incidents occur.

- Insulate attics or crawl spaces.

- Service furnaces and chimneys annually.

- Remove window screens and install glass storm windows.

- Repair loose roofing shingles to prevent leaks from heavy snow.

- Clean gutters and inspect them regularly.

- Fix any loose patio stones and remove dead tree limbs.

- Secure outdoor water sources by draining garden hoses before frost hits.

- Mark garden beds and paths to assist with snow shoveling.

- Re-caulk windows and doors to seal gaps.

- Drain fuel from gas-powered engines like lawnmowers.

- Review insurance coverage to avoid surprises.

- Prevent door locks from freezing by using powered graphite lubricant.

- Tidy gardens to deter insects from hiding out; mulch flower beds if necessary.

- Maintain decks by cleaning them; apply sealer if needed.

- Check the functionality of snowblowers before use is necessary.

- Bring outdoor plants, furniture, and grills inside when possible.

- Cover water heaters with insulation blankets for efficiency.

- Install programmable thermostats for custom temperature settings.

Additionally, it's important to change batteries in smoke detectors and test them along with CO2 detectors.

Sources: "10 Tips to Get Your House Ready for Winter" – Consumer Reports; "9 Steps to Prepare Your Home for Winter" | Bankrate; "10 Steps to Make Sure Your Home is Ready for Winter" (realsimple.com); "13 Ways to Winterize Your Home" | Budget Dumpster