Easy Tips for Winterizing Your Home This Season

Winter is here for the next few months—and those in regions where you swap out your beach towels for your winter coats, you know that serious preparation is needed. Especially for residents of Westchester, New York, drastic temperature drops can cause for high rises in heating costs. If you haven’t done so already, make sure your residence and your wardrobe are up to par in the way of winterizing. You’d be surprised how much these tips can make a difference during the chilliest season. Window Seals For those of you who have older windows in historic homes, using a window insulation kit can be a great extra layer of protection. The window insulation comes with double tape and plenty of plastic that can create an air-tight seal. You’ll still get a clear enough view through your windows with the plastic, and this extra layer can even act as a second pane. For even more protection, add a layer of bubble wrap before the insulation kit. Back to Basics There’s a reason why winter is known as sweater season—take advantage of cozy knits and sweatshirts when indoors. Instead of always running to the thermostat, try dressing in warm layers first, and pile on the blankets in living rooms and bedrooms. If you still find yourself shivering, invest in a programmable thermostat. You can schedule it according to when people are most likely to be home—and save energy when they’re not. Buying a humidifier that blows out warm air is another great way to solve two problems with one solution—the humidifier helps with dry sinuses and the warm mist helps counter any lingering drafts. Interior Furnishings Any draft that still might escape your window-proofing can be absorbed by thick rugs or drapes inside. Adding area rugs to small spaces can add a layer of insulation on top of the floor. Those lighter curtains that are perfect for the breezy, summer feeling of your rooms are best swapped out for heavier, sturdier curtains to help keep your rooms even warmer. Fireplace Care Your greatest source of heat can also be your worst enemy. Make sure your fireplace’s flue is always closed, and consider installing glass doors that act as a barrier to keep the cold from spreading out to the rest of the house. If you won’t be using the fireplace on a regular basis, consider buying chimney pillows—inflatable, plastic bags that stop warm air from escaping and cold air from entering. Air Conditioning Units If your home doesn’t have central air and you have a few in-wall air conditioning units, it may be helpful to seal out the drafts just like you would do with your windows. Buying a cover for these units is the first step, but wrapping plastic around it with double-sided tape that comes in your window insulation kit can help. After all, even covering the unit won’t create a tight seal that would block out the draft. Ready to find a new home to winterize? 128 Mead Street | $8,900,000 Sequestered on 55-acres, this exceptional country estate in historic Waccabuc is a peaceful retreat. Bordered by the Waccabuc Country Club Golf Course and three preserves, this exquisite 7725-sf Georgian-style residence flawlessly integrates sophisticated country elegance with sought-after modern amenities & timeless design. Classically appointed formal rooms, lavish spaces for entertaining & luxurious areas for everyday living includes main level office, stunning glass-enclosed conservatory, billiards room, custom chef s kitchen & airy garden room with doors to an expansive stone patio. Four en suite bedrooms include the master suite with sitting room, oversized terrace & spa-like master bath. Third level playroomstudy area & gym. Roof-top cupola with breathtaking 360 views. 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Home office plus master w en-suite bathrm. 2nd level has 17 ft. ceilings, bonus family room w fp, sliding glass doors to deck, & elegant master suite w a closet & bathrm fit for royalty. 3 add l brs, 2 bathrms & laundry complete the 2nd level. 4400 add l SF in LL includes wet bar, wine cellar, movie theater w state of the art 4k projector & gym. The entire house can be controlled w a touch of a button. Sonos system & stealth (invisible) Triad speakers hidden in the walls, infrared cameras, 2 car garage designed for a lift. Landscaped to perfection, low taxes, only 28 minutes to NYC. 577 Millwood Road | $6,300,000 Incredible opportunity to purchase this exquisite one-of-a-kind masterpiece designed by architect Taylor Assoc. for the most discerning homeowners. With 5 bedrooms and 5 full 4 half bathrooms, the property includes over 7,000 sf of luxury living, set back on 7.29 private acres in the Chappaqua school district. This rare find boasts only the highest level finishes including top-of-the-line Leicht cabinetry throughout the house and a chef s kitchen with Miele and Wolff appliances. Entertaining is easy with French doors that lead to the outdoor barbecue and in-ground heated swimming pool with LED pool lights and fire bowls. Enjoy surround sound both inside and out with Sonos. The walls of windows and French doors found throughout the first floor create a sun-filled vibrant canvas for this home. Above the garage is an accessory apartment with the same level finishes. Special features will provide more details of the customized finishes that make this property the ultimate gem. Find your new home in Westchester today.