Midwestern weather is always unpredictable. Our state pivots from heavy rains to freezing temperatures at the drop of a hat. When the weather is unpredictable, your house needs to be protected properly. Weather proofing your home is an excellent way to ensure that your valuables are protected when the weather shifts.
When low temperatures are predicted, check your pipes. Specifically, check any exposed ones in your basement, crawls pace or attic and be sure they are insulated. Once the temperatures drop below freezing, exposed pipes can become a big problem and a costly repair as they may burst or freeze. An affordable fix is foam pipe sleeves, which can be found online or at hardware stores. By adding thermal insulation and encapsulating your pipes, you can lower energy costs and keep your plumbing intact.
It is also vital to seal off any drafty areas such as windows or doors. You can use draft stoppers, caulking or weather stripping to reduce exposure to the cold. You should also be diligent about checking your furnace and replacing the filters, along with checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Another thing that should be done before cold sets in is to drain and disconnect your hoses, then shut off the valves to the outside faucets. Cleaning our your gutters will keep water flowing and prevent any ice damming. One more easy trick is to keep your fans on to circulate warm air into the living space rather than letting it rise to the ceiling. These are all measures that will help a homeowner get a leg up during the winter season and save on some energy costs.
Phyllis Nichols
State Farm Insurance
Phyllis Nichols joined the insurance industry in 1987, inspired by her father-in-law. She says working in insurance is never about the numbers; she ensures lasting relationships with her clients. “Our work is set apart because we care about the results and we keep our people posted along the way,” she says. “Communication is key to making sure that folks understand what options are available to them in almost any circumstance … you have to let folks know that you care if you want them to stay.”
Choosing the best policy is a big decision, and Nichols can guide you towards coverage that suits your needs and budgets. State Farm was founded in 1922, giving them over a century of experience and expertise in aiding homeowners in protective measures from the elements
Phyllis Nichols: State Farm
(573)443-8727
phyllisjnichols.com
