Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space this Winter
Just because colder weather is right around the corner doesn’t mean you have to forfeit your precious outdoor space. This year especially, you’ll want to enjoy your backyard or balcony as long as possible to avoid cabin fever. Here are some tips to make the most of your space this fall and winter.
Clean up ahead of winter
Spruce up your yard to create an outdoor area you’ll want to enjoy. Take time to dispose of leaves and fallen branches. For your flower beds, pull out the dead annuals, add compost, then plant cover crops or add mulch to prep your yard for the spring thaw.
Heat it up
Electric or propane outdoor heaters can help keep your outdoor spaces warm during winter. With free-standing, tabletop, and umbrella-style versions available in a variety of sizes, there are options available to fit your needs. (If you live in a condo, check regulations first.)
Utilize what you have
Instead of putting it all in storage, leave your patio furniture outside. Add some machine-washable covers to give your cushions a fresh look and protect them from the elements. Circle your furniture around a fire pit and you’ll be roasting (and burning) s’mores in no time.
Look on the bright side
Garden lighting will illuminate your landscape, and string lights with clear white LED bulbs can create a warm and inviting ambiance. Solar powered, weather-resistant lights are more affordable than ever and make for hassle-free installation and upkeep.
Food for thought
Keep the barbecue working and propane tank filled. Grill up some goodies, then enjoy them outside to fight off the cold. It’ll be just like a winter tailgate, only cheaper and without a line for the bathroom and overpriced drinks.
Last Minute Tips for Winterization
It’s still not too late to address a few home maintenance musts before winter fully sets in. Here are some last-minute tasks to knock out before you go into hibernation mode.
1. Clean the gutters one last time. As the last leaves have fallen, take time now to make sure your gutters are completely cleared out. Blockages can be dangerous to you and your family, and prove costly in the long run with expensive gutter repair.
2. Check your furnace. If you have a furnace, replace your filter if you haven’t already, and commit to changing it once a month. A dirty filter is not only more expensive, but can also be dangerous. Home heating systems that aren’t properly maintained may be less than 50 percent efficient. If you can spring for it this year, an inspection done by a licensed professional is always recommended.
3. Maintain your home’s exterior. Trim back trees and branches that are hanging too close to your home. Seal driveways, brick patios, and wood decks. Look for cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and eaves, and seal them. Remember, all of these problems are only complicated by cold weather
4. Test smoke/carbon monoxide detectors This one is easy to overlook, but takes only a couple seconds: hit the “test” button on your smoke/carbon monoxide detector. If the alarm sounds — you’re good to go. If not, replace the batteries and test again. Replace your smoke detector if fresh batteries don’t result in a proper test.
5. Consider an energy audit An energy audit can show you how and where your home is using energy, so you can make simple updates to increase your home’s efficiency – saving you money. Home energy audits typically range in cost from $200-$400, and many energy companies offer rebates that make them even more affordable (or sometimes free).
Perform your own quick energy audit by following some of these tips from Energy.gov. Taking these steps will not only lower your utility costs, but they will protect your largest investment, your home, from the unexpected weather conditions ahead. If you have questions about professional services for home energy audits, contact me at anamonizrealestate@gmail.com.
Ana Moniz, ABR
Broker Associate
Lifetime Member of the NJAR™ Distinguished Sales Club
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
50 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642
cell- 201-247-6341 | office – (201) 930-8820 Ext. 441
e-fax- 201-781-6712 | www.AnaMonizRealEstate.com
https://www.anamonizrealestate.net/ | AnaMonizRealEstate@gmail.com
Ana Moniz, Broker Associate
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