Experts give home owners simple tips for winterizing

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- With winter on the way, your home can be susceptible to changing temperatures -- but there are simple ways to prepare a house for cold weather.

Phil Callen, co-owner of Callen Construction, shared some of his tips for winterizing a home.

"Now is the time to get out and make sure your house is nice and winterized," said Callen. "I'm going to check my windows to make sure all the caulking is there, make sure it's nice and sealed. I'm going to look at my gutters."

Gutters may become problematic during the winter if debris traps water and freezes. The weight of the ice can rip a gutter right off the house.

Callen says ice can also cause issues in the foundation of a home if it settles in any cracks. To prevent freezing, you should also shut off exterior faucets or hoses and drain water from outdoor pipes, valves and sprinkler heads.

Inside your home, upgrading your thermostat to a digital, programmable version can save money on your monthly energy bill.

"You're not using as much energy and fuel to heat the house and you're keeping it at a comfortable temperature," explained Callen.

Callen says the most important thing you can do to winterize your home is make sure all the windows are not only shut, but locked.

"That 'catch' usually draws them close to each other and it seals them real nice," said Callen.

Experts say most damage caused by winter weather is brought on by the cold creeping up before home owners have a chance to winterize, or first-time home owners who are simply unaware of what steps to take to prevent it.