The First Snow is Here! Is Your Madison Home Ready for Winter?

It happened.
The first blanket of white has officially covered Southern Wisconsin. While it looks beautiful from the comfort of the living room, that first snowfall is also nature’s not-so-subtle reminder that winter is officially here.

At the Holt Real Estate Team, we know that Wisconsin winters can be tough on houses (and wallets). To help you keep your home cozy and efficient over the coming months, we’ve rounded up a few essential action items you should do right now:

Quick Exterior Checks

1. Disconnect the Garden Hoses

It’s one of the most common mistakes homeowners can make! If you haven't already, disconnect your hoses from the outdoor spigots. If water freezes inside the hose, it can back up into the pipe inside your wall and burst, leading to a messy (and expensive) surprise in the spring.

2. Check Your Gutters for "Ice Dams"

Snow on the roof melts, runs down, and refreezes at the edge, creating an ice dam that blocks drainage. This can force water under your shingles and into your home. Take a look at your gutters now: if they are clogged with fall leaves, clear them out immediately to keep that melting snow flowing freely.

Inside the Home: Keep the Heat In & the Cold Out

Once the exterior is secure, it's time to focus on the inside. You don't need major renovations to see major savings on your energy bill.

1. The "Reverse" Switch

Look up at your ceiling fans. Many homeowners don't realize their fans have a winter setting. There is a small switch on the motor housing that changes the direction of the blades.

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In the summer, you want the blades to spin counter-clockwise to create a breeze. In the winter, switch them to clockwise and run the fan on low. This pushes the warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the living space, allowing you to turn your thermostat down a degree or two without feeling the difference.

2. Hunt for "Vampire" Drafts

Wisconsin winds are relentless. Check the perimeter of your windows and doors. If you can feel cold air coming through, you are paying to heat the outdoors.

• The Fix: Apply weatherstripping to loose doors or use "draft snakes" at the bottom of exterior doors. For older windows, clear plastic window film (available at any local hardware store) is an inexpensive way to create an insulating air barrier that makes a massive difference.
  
  

3. Harness the Sun

It sounds simple, but hey, it’s free heat! Open your curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let the sunlight naturally warm your home. The moment the sun goes down, close them tight to add an extra layer of insulation against the cold glass.

4. Humidity Matters

Winter air is incredibly dry, and dry air actually feels colder to the human body than humid air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & Energy Star recommend keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50% during the winter. Using a humidifier not only prevents dry skin and static shock but also makes 68°F feel more like 72°F, meaning you won't feel the urge to crank up the heat.


5. Show Your Furnace Some Love

Your heating system is about to run a marathon. Swap out your air filter now to ensure good airflow. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder, driving up energy bills and increasing the risk of a breakdown on the coldest night of the year.

Still Thinking of Moving? Don’t Let the Cold Freeze Your Plans!

While you are prepping your home for the season, you might assume the real estate market goes into hibernation until spring. Think again!

Winter is actually one of the smartest times to make a move in Madison.

• For Sellers: Inventory is lower, meaning less competition. Serious buyers are out there right now, and they aren’t just "window shopping" in sub-zero temps—they are ready to make offers.
  
  
• For Buyers: You get to see exactly how a home performs in the harsh weather. Does the roof hold up? Is the heating even? You don't get that transparency in July!
  
  

Don’t wait for the spring thaw to start your next chapter. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, the Holt Real Estate Team is here to help you navigate the winter market with confidence.

Stay warm, Madison!

Ready to discuss your winter real estate goals? Contact us today to start the conversation: info@holtrealestateteam.com