With the winter season rapidly approaching, the Appraisal Institute encourages homeowners to winterize their properties now to benefit from a potentially improved quality of life and possibly reduced household costs.

The winter months can bring discomfort to homes. Properly winterizing homes can help avoid mishaps, like frozen pipes and water leaks, and can help homeowners save money on repairs. Knowing which winterization projects to prioritize can help homeowners get started.

Here are four winterization tips that could be beneficial and budget-friendly for homeowners:

• Protect pipes year-round. Consider using a slip-on pipe insulation, which works for either plastic or copper pipes. Heat tape also can be used for protection.
• Use programmable thermostats. By using a programmable thermostat, homeowners can adjust the temperature when the heat is not needed as much, which could help save money.
• Clean gutters and roof. Leaves, sticks and other debris could create a buildup of snow and ice, that could lead to leaks and water damage inside the home. Try to get this done before the first heavy snowfall.
• Weatherproof windows. To prevent air from seeping into the home, consider using rope caulk to seal gaps around window moldings and between sliding windowpanes.

To learn more about which projects may be beneficial, check out the Appraisal Institute’s fact sheet. Homeowners also can learn more about winterizing a property by contacting an Appraisal Institute professional.