Roof

Schedule a free aerial roof inspection if your roof is over 15 years old — call Energy Plus at (989) 833-1000. We assess from satellite imagery without anyone climbing on your roof. Check attic insulation: Zone 5 requires R-38 minimum — inadequate insulation is the primary cause of ice dams on Isabella County homes. Know safe snow load limits: more than 18 inches of wet snow on flat or low-slope sections is a structural concern. Use a roof rake from the ground — never go on a snow-covered or icy roof in Central Michigan.

Gutters

Clean gutters in late October after full leaf fall in Isabella County. Flush every downspout. Confirm outlets direct water at least 6 feet from your Mt. Pleasant foundation. EP GuardSeries micro-mesh guards eliminate the annual cleaning requirement.

Insulation and Heating

Check attic depth: Zone 5 minimum R-38 approximately 10 inches of cellulose. Below that, call (989) 833-1000 before winter. Insulate vulnerable pipes in unheated crawl spaces with foam pipe insulation at 1 to 3 dollars per linear foot. Service furnace in September — HVAC contractors are fully booked in Isabella County November through January.

Windows and Doors

Look for daylight at closed exterior door perimeters — any gap means cold air infiltration. Replace weatherstripping before the freeze at 10 to 30 dollars per door. Hold hand near window frames for air movement — caulk-fixable. Fogged glass or cold radiation means EP VueSeries replacement is needed.

Emergency Supplies

NOAA weather radio, flashlights and batteries, 72-hour non-perishable food and water per person, medications, warm blankets. Know your water main shutoff location. Minimum thermostat setting if traveling: 55F to prevent pipe freezing in your Mt. Pleasant home.