It’s gorgeous November in North Atlanta and Lake Oconee with cool, crisp mornings and lovely sunny afternoons. Our weekends are filled with gazing at the stunningly beautiful fall foliage, apple picking, or making, your way through a corn maze, or an Atlanta sport unto its own, …drinking pumpkin spice lattes.
Let’s be real, here in North Atlanta we do not live in the bitter cold that our neighbors to the north do! But, on occasion we get snow and below freezing temperatures which is precisely why we can get overly comfortable and fail to take the precautions we need to in order to protect our homes from Atlanta winters!
As homeowners in Atlanta, winterizing our homes should take precedent, as cold weather, ice, and snow can do real damage. When the thermostat dips, we all want our homes to be as cozy as possible. All the better for sipping pumpkin spice lattes. First for maximum comfort is…
Insulate Your Windows
Winter drafts can drive up your energy bill — and detract from the cozy vibe you want inside your home when it’s cold outside. If your windows have any air leaks, you can reduce drafts, and lower your home’s energy costs by up to 20% per year, according to the U.S. Energy Department. Warmer, cozier, and more money in your pocket for those lattes.
Here are five simple solutions (all under $8!) that will allow you to quickly insulate your windows.
1. V-seal weather stripping.
Add this plastic weather stripping along the sides of the sashes. Windows can open and shut evenly with the V-seal in place. (Pro tip: Weather stripping also works wonders on doors.)
2. Rope caulk.
This soft, sticky stuff can be molded to fill the gap — and the caulk removes easily at the end of the cold season.
3. Shrink film. Applied with double-sided tape, this clear plastic sheeting shrinks drum-tight when heated with a hair dryer. The film seals off drafts and captures an insulating buffer of air. Use rubbing alcohol to help release the tape in the spring to avoid stripping off any paint.
4. Nail polish. If carefully applied, clear polish fills the crack almost invisibly. Once hardened, it will stabilize the glass until you can replace it in the spring.
5. Draft snake.
If the bottom of your window is letting in cold air, buy a foam-and-fabric draft snake kit. Cut the 36-inch foam tube provided to length and slip the washable cover over it. Then place the snake on the sill, and shut the window on to seal the deal.
Trim Back Your Tree Branches
Nobody wants a winter storm losing the wrath of that mighty tree whose branches are angling over your roof. Not to mention, overhanding limbs can cause excess water to seep into cracks in your home’s roof or siding, which is why you want to make sure any tree limbs or branches surrounding your home are at least 3 feet away from the house. Lastly, squirrels, and other critters get cold too. Tree branches too close to your home provide them a bridge INTO your home for warmth. Be sure to check “SALTER’S SOURCES” on Karen’s Website for A list of recommended Pest Control Services.
Karen is an award-winning real estate agent that would love to represent you in your home buying or selling. If you have questions about the market, protecting your investment of living in Atlanta, or Lake Oconee, please contact her today!
