Winter in Michigan is no joke. The season lasts almost half of the year and can come and go unpredictably. No matter if you are a born-and-raised Michigander or a new transplant, there are always new things to learn about the cold season. Did you know that people spend 25% more on heating bills every month in winter? Here are many ways to winterize your home so you are not spending extra money just to stay warm.

Windows

Windows are one of the easiest places for heat to escape. To winterize your home, you need to create a tighter seal. You can do this several ways:

• Plastic sheeting around the outside of the windows — requires some elbow grease but is one of the most economical options.
• Draft-stopping tape along gaps and edges.
• Caulk to seal any cracks or openings.
• Thermal curtains to add an extra layer of insulation.

Tools

Tools take a beating even when stored inside your garage. The drop in temperature and residual moisture from soil can ruin even the hardiest of tools. To protect them:

• Clean off any leftover debris and dirt so your tools are ready to go when spring arrives.
• Oil wooden handles to prevent them from drying out and cracking through the colder months.
• Remember your hose — drain it overnight before freezing temperatures arrive, then unscrew and coil it safely indoors.
• Check all blades, including your mower. Sharpen and clean them to prevent rust from forming over winter.

Indoor

Arguably the most important part of your home — you want to stay comfortable and cozy throughout the season. Winterize the inside of your home by:

• Checking that your heating system is functioning at its highest capability before the cold sets in.
• Testing fire alarm batteries to prevent fires from heating equipment.
• Switching to natural gas. Natural gas is a more reliable heating system and means you no longer have to worry about your home or pipes freezing during a power outage. Check out the rates of Kratos Natural Gas Michigan today!
• Flushing your water heater. Buildup can occur at the bottom of the tank over time and prevent water from getting hot. Flush the water through the drain valve to clear out the material and keep your heater functioning at its best.

Outdoor

• Clean your gutters. The most dreaded of jobs, but one of the most effective steps when winterizing your home.
• Walk around your home and check for cracks in the foundation. The sooner you find cracks, the easier they are to mend — water that enters and freezes will spread them deeper and further.
• Shut off the water to any outdoor faucets before temperatures drop below freezing.

Winterizing your home might seem like a huge project, but it is completely worth it for the peace of mind it brings through the long Michigan winter. Keep checking back at the Kratos blog for more homeowning tips.