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There is nothing like a cozy snow day in the middle of winter to make your heart feel warm. However, not being properly prepared may mean the difference between a cold day snuggled by the fire and a day fueled with stress and worry.

1. Winterize Your Pipes

One of the most expensive repairs a homeowner can face is replacing busted pipes due to freezing temperatures. Though most homes here in the Midwest have properly protected pipes, it is still important to double-check and make sure your house is protected.

Winterizing your pipes can be as simple as letting the faucet drip when the temperatures drop below 32° or opening any cabinets that have plumbing in them.

A pipeline burst can damage your home’s walls and foundation! The average cost to replace a burst pipe can be over $1,000!^*

2. Change Furnace Filters

Not changing your furnace filter at the proper time can cause more than just damage to the furnace itself. It can also cause damage to you! When you don't correctly replace a furnace filter, you risk headaches, itchy eyes or throat, and dizziness.  

Not to mention the damage it can do to your wallet!  When your air filter is dirty, it means air has to be pushed harder through the filter, which can cause the furnace to run longer and make your bill more expensive.  

3. Reverse Ceiling Fans

Reversing your ceiling fans may seem insignificant, but taking the time to switch them can save your power bill! When your ceiling fan is reversed, it means it is pulling air up to the ceiling, so in this case, it would be pulling the cold air away from the ground, and warm air would fall into the space.

4. Clean Out Gutters and Clear the Roof

Another top expense when it comes to homeownership can be any problems with the roof. One of the biggest problems with not taking care of your roof can mean damage to the support below it. This means you are paying between $600 and $8,000 for the roof repair, and you might also be paying for new insulation and structural damages.^**

5. Seal Your Windows and Doors

Making sure that your windows and doors are properly sealed may not seem like an important task. If not taken care of properly, not only is your warm cozy air heating up the neighborhood, but it also means cold air is coming into your house!

Winterizing your home may seem insignificant, and for some can be an expense that leaves the need to take the risk of getting winter damage. However, some options can make the prospect of home winterizations less scary! One of those options is a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Basically, this is a line of credit that you can take out that is worth your home's equity (home value-current mortgage owed=home equity). Not only can this be used to help pay for home renovations, but you can also use it for paying off other debts and even college tuition! 

The best part is that you do not have to use the whole amount you've been approved for. You only need to pay back what you have spent plus interest, making this the next best thing when needing money in a pinch! With First Community, that amount could be up to 90% of your home equity for an amazing introductory rate of just 3.69% APR for the first 12 months. After that, your rate will change to the current adjustable rate, which is currently 8.74% APR.⁺

^*“BROKEN WATER PIPES: COST TO REPLACE & WAYS TO FIX A PIPE” WM.Henderson plumbing

^**“How much does roof repair cost?” Airtasker.com

⁺$1 share deposit required. Must qualify for membership. Must apply by March 31, 2023 to qualify for offer. Subject to credit approval. Offer is for new First Line HE loans and does not include refinances on First Community loans. Missouri and Illinois residents only. Minimum first advance of $1,000 on home equity loans. Offer of 3.69% Annual Percentage Rate on First Line Home Equity Loan is good for twelve months after closing date. After introductory period, rate adjusts quarterly to the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal plus .74%. That rate is currently 8.74%. The maximum APR that may apply is 18.00%.  NMLS ID # 684198. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.

Rates are accurate at the time of blog posting and are subject to change.