Cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and shorter days are sure signs that fall has arrived. For Michigan homeowners, they are also a reminder that the sometimes harsh or unpredictable winter is quickly approaching.

Preparing your home now can help you stay comfortable when temperatures drop, protect your property, and keep heating and maintenance costs under control. Many seasonal tasks are simple enough to complete over a weekend or two, while others may require a larger investment. Taking care of them before winter is upon us can help avoid costly surprises and other hardships.

Here are a few places to start:

Tackle your fall to-do list

You don’t need to renovate your entire home to make it winter-ready. Begin with basic maintenance projects that will keep cold air out, heat in, and your home’s systems running both reliably and efficiently.

• Check your doors and windows. Inspect frames for drafts and check caulk and weatherstripping for cracks or deterioration. Replacing worn materials is an affordable do-it-yourself project that prevents heated air from escaping.
• Give your furnace a checkup. Turn on your furnace before the first truly cold day to ensure it is working properly. Check the filter regularly throughout the heating season and replace it as needed. Scheduling professional maintenance can also help identify potential problems early rather than during an inconvenient winter breakdown.
• Clean your gutters and downspouts. After most of the leaves have fallen, clear away accumulated debris while making sure water can drain safely away from your home. Proper drainage helps protect your roof, siding, and foundation during the colder months.
• Prepare your outdoor plumbing. Disconnect garden hoses, shut off outdoor water sources when appropriate, and winterize irrigation systems. These simple steps can reduce the risk of frozen pipes and costly water damage.

Make your home more energy-efficient

After completing basic maintenance, look for ways to make your home more comfortable and efficient to heat.

• Install a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule. Lowering the temperature while everyone is asleep or away (and warming the house before you return) can help reduce unnecessary heating without sacrificing comfort.
• Take advantage of natural heat. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let sunlight warm your home. Close them after sunset to create an additional barrier between your living space and cold windows.
• Inspect your insulation. Insulation helps your home retain the heat you are already paying to produce. If some rooms are consistently colder than others, or your heating system seems to run constantly, insufficient insulation could be part of the problem. Many energy companies, such as DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, offer rebates for making these energy-efficient updates to your insulation. Also, these energy companies often offer free home energy assessments to help you save on your energy costs.
• Use your celing fan. During the fall and winter months, set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This gentle airflow helps push warm air that collects near the ceiling back down into the living space, improving comfort and potentially reducing heating costs.

Know when it’s time for an upgrade

Some home improvements cannot be solved with a tube of caulk or a new furnace filter. Older or damaged windows may allow significant drafts into your home, especially if seals have failed or frames have deteriorated. Replacing them can improve comfort and help your heating system operate more efficiently.

Your furnace may also need a closer look. Frequent repairs, uneven heating, unusual noises, or difficulty maintaining a comfortable temperature are all reasons to have the system professionally evaluated. If replacement is recommended, planning ahead gives you time to compare systems, contractors, and prices, rather than making an expensive decision during an emergency. Verify the contractor you select is licensed and insured, as well as legitimate, by searching state and local databases, such as the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) database.

How MSGCU can help

New windows or a furnace can be significant expenses, even when they are worthwhile investments in your home. MSGCU offers solutions that can help homeowners manage these larger projects.

1. Home Equity Loan. If you know approximately how much your project will cost, a Home Equity Loan provides funds in a lump sum with a fixed interest rate. This may be a practical option for a defined project, such as replacing a furnace or installing new windows.
2. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). If you have several projects planned or costs may change along the way, a HELOC offers greater flexibility by allowing you to access available funds as needed. This can be useful when your seasonal checkup reveals multiple improvements you would like to complete over time.
3. Personal loans: MSGCU also offers personal loans that can provide flexible financing solutions to help cover DIY expenses, such as home improvements.
4. Credit cards: MSGCU also offers credit card options, such as the Titanium Visa, that can help you cover those many home updates.

Before borrowing, consider your project costs, available home equity, monthly budget, and long-term financial goals. You can meet with any of MSGCU’s certified financial counselors to get a better understanding of your finances. Be sure to review the terms and conditions of any financing option to determine whether it is right for you.

Prepare now and relax later

Getting your home ready for fall and winter does not mean completing every project at once. Start with the basics: seal drafts, check your furnace, protect outdoor plumbing, and look for simple ways to reduce unnecessary heating.

If your seasonal checkup reveals that larger improvements are needed, MSGCU can help you explore financing options for your home and budget. Reach out to learn more about Home Equity Loans, HELOCs, and other financial resources that may help you head into another Michigan winter feeling prepared as well as financially strong.

To learn more, call us, video bank, or schedule an appointment at any of our 24 branch locations. MSGCU is here to champion your financial goals and support your home needs throughout the fall, winter and beyond.

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