The Lake Chelan area receives approximately 34 inches of snow annually — somewhat higher than the national average of 28 inches. Nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing for a third of the year.
Lake Chelan residents know that before winter arrives, it’s best to have a winter ready home. Below are a few helpful tips to ensure your home is warm and comfortable during the colder months.
❅ Have the the fireplace inspected every year
Without regular maintenance fireplaces and furnaces can become fire hazards. If you have a wood-burning fireplace and you use it at least half a dozen times per year, have it checked by a professional fireplace inspector.
Creosote, a dark tar-like material, builds up in the chimney flue over time and has the potential to ignite. Additionally, lining in the chimney flue eventually crack, allowing fumes to seep through into the living room and the rest of the house.
Otherwise, if you rarely use the fireplace or have a gas fireplace instead, an inspection every three years will do.
❅ Don’t forget about the roof
The roof gets battered by the elements frequently. At some point roof tiles and slates become loose or fall off allowing for air leaks. This lowers the heat and energy efficiency of your home so it’s a good idea to have your roof checked by a certified roof inspector annually.
A professional can spot potential air gaps and the tell-tale signs of unusual wear and tear. Aside from weather damage, an inspector can also help remedy mold growth due to build up of moss and lichen.
❅ Clear out the gutters
Before winter sets in, make sure to clean your gutters and remove any build up of natural debris. With a sturdy ladder, a leaf blower, and a cleaning buddy, you can opt to do this without professional help.
If left unattended, fallen leaves and twigs can pile up and freeze together to form a clump of icy mass that can damage parts of the roof. Waiting until after winter to clear them out will be a messy job. On top of that, you would have had to put up with inefficient plumbing throughout the winter season.
❅ Trim your plants and shrubs
There are some perennials that look better without a trim during winter. However, some species truly shine when they are cut back during winter, which then grow back just in time for spring.
In addition, certain pests and fungi use excess plant cover to survive during the colder months.
If you have irises and lilies in your home, have them trimmed to about two to three inches from the ground. Consider hiring a professional to do it for you if you don’t have the time.
❅ Protect your pipes
Take stock of where your pipes run through and see if any portion is exposed to the weather or located in an unheated room. Running water inside exposed pipes can freeze and potentially burst the pipe when temperatures become extremely low.
Outfitting these pipes with insulation materials purchased from your neighborhood hardware store is typically the way to go.
If you need a few more tips or you’re interested in exploring Lake Chelan real estate further, you can call Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan Properties at 509.682.7777 or send an email to Info(at)cbchelan(dotted)com
.