Winter is only a couple of weeks away, which means it's time to start battening down the hatches for the cold months ahead. Fortunately, a little preparation can go a long way towards making your home more comfortable, lowering your energy expenses, and minimizing the risk posed by intense winter storms.

If you're not sure where to start winterizing, the homeowners insurance experts at the Lighthouse Agency in Fairfield, OH, recommend:

• Weatherproofing The Windows: According to some estimates, about a tenth of the energy loss in your home occurs when heat slips out around windows and doors. Use a candle to check for drafts around your windows and install weatherstripping anywhere the flame starts to flicker. If it's especially cold where you live, installing bubble wrap or foam insulation directly on the panes can keep heat from being leached through the glass.
• Draining Outdoor Faucets: A broken pipe can be a major wintertime disaster, especially if it goes undiscovered for a long time. While the damage may be covered by your homeowner's insurance, the best approach is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. The most common culprits are outdoor faucets, so turn each of them off and thoroughly drain the line before the first frost. If any pipes that need to stay active, make sure they're well-insulated from the cold.
• Seal Up The Attic: Warm air escaping into the attic not only wastes energy, but it also allows snow buildup on the roof to melt, which can result in ice dams. Over time, these blockages can force ice under the shingles, leading to leaks and damaged roofing. To prevent this, go into the attic and seal the tops of walls, around pipes, and other bypasses which allow hot air into the attic.

The independent agents at Lighthouse Agency maintain relationships with some of the best carriers in the nation, giving them an extensive selection of homeowners insurance policies to choose from. To learn more about their services or request a quote, just visit their website or call (513) 860-9100 today.