Is your home ready for winter? The cold-weather season comes quickly around Albany, Corvallis, and Lebanon, so it pays to prepare during the fall. From improving energy efficiency to protecting pipes and preparing for strong winter storms, there's plenty you can do now to make winter easier. Our real estate agents have more in our guide to fall home maintenance to protect your property in the Mid-Willamette Valley.

Getting Your Home Ready for the Cold Months

Energy Efficiency and HVAC System Maintenance

Your HVAC system works harder in winter than during any other season, and regular maintenance can help avoid expensive repairs. Energy Trust of Oregon offers a handy checklist to help keep your home energy efficient throughout the winter:

• Replace HVAC air filters to improve efficiency
• Clear any fall debris from around outdoor HVAC equipment
• Have your system serviced before winter
• Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better efficiency
• Check that your home is well-insulated to retain heat better and keep out the cold

Preparing for Winter Emergencies

When winter weather gets extreme, it pays to be prepared. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management offers extensive tips on preparing for emergencies, many of which are covered in other sections of this post. So we'll focus more on their guide for creating an emergency kit and what your kit should include:

• Snow removal equipment
• Flashlights and batteries
• First-aid kit and battery-operated radio
• Food for people and pets
• Bottled water
• Important medications
• Medical equipment
• Blankets and warm clothes
• Rock salt
• General pet supplies
• Backup power supply

Protecting Pipes in Cold Weather

Burst pipes from cold weather can seriously damage your home, so preparing your pipes is one of the most important steps you can take this fall. Especially if you travel during the winter, the last thing you want is to return to a flooded home. The City of Albany offers extensive tips on pipe maintenance, including these key points:

• Drain outdoor pipes, such as for irrigation systems and swimming pools
• Drain and store outdoor hoses, then close indoor valves to hoses
• Check for pipes in cold areas in and around the home
• Insulate exposed pipes, especially in non-heated areas
• Keep garage doors closed to protect pipes in the garage
• If you leave home for an extended period during cold weather, set thermostat to at least 55º F to prevent frozen pipes

Keeping Gutters and Storm Drains Clean

All the leaves that build up during fall can cause serious problems in the winter, so it's important to clear that debris before winter. This is especially key around gutters and storm drains. The City of Corvallis offers a leaf collection program that makes clearing debris more convenient, typically available through late December. Leaves are picked up from the curb on select dates, and multiple leaf drop-off locations are also available around the city.

Checking Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

With holiday decorations, big meals, and the heat turned up, winter brings several fire risks around the home. The Oregon State Fire Marshal recommends testing fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors once a month, replacing batteries at least once a year, and installing new alarms at least once every 10 years.

Find Your Mid-Willamette Valley Home with Help from Our Team

Looking for a home you'll maintain with love through every season? Dive into our new listings in Albany, new listings in Corvallis, and new listings in Lebanon/Sweet Home to find your next home. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Albany and Corvallis, OR, area.