In Part 1 of this series, we focused on proven prep strategies to get the inside of your home ready for the Wisconsin winter. Now, in Part 2, we turn our attention to prepping the outside of your home before the winter weather sets in. The following nine tips can go a long way in protecting your home, and avoiding costly expenses, so let’s get started … 1. Be Sure to Drain Lawn Irrigation Systems If you have a lawn irrigation system, it’s important to make sure it’s drained before freezing weather sets in. Unlike the piping that leads into your home, irrigation systems aren’t buried deeply, which means they have a tendency to freeze once the temperature drops. Freezing can lead to bursting pipes, and it’s best to avoid both. Even if you are only using a standard hose, it’s a good idea to drain it completely so it doesn’t incur damage, or freeze the pipe attachment on the outside of your home. If you’re not clear on how to drain your lawn irrigation

In this two-part series, we’re sharing some proven prep strategies to get your home ready for the Wisconsin winter. In Part 1, we’re focusing on preparing the inside of your home, and in Part 2, we’ll shift our attention to exterior home prep. To begin, it’s important to note that even if you haven’t been experiencing any issues with your home, it’s important to take these simple steps seriously, as they can help you avoid costly issues down the road. And now is the time to handle these winter weather prep tips — while it’s still nice outside. Let’s dive into 7 things you can do right now — inside your home — to prepare it for winter … 1. Furnace Tune Up Whether your furnace is new or older, having it serviced regularly is a great way to keep it running smoothly. It also helps prevent fire and smoke damage. We recommend hiring a local company to perform the tune up. We also recommend calling at least two servicers, as pricing and service availability