Preparing Your Home for Winter
As the fall equinox comes and the weather begins to change, there are lots of things you can do around your home to get it ready for winter. First of all, this is the perfect time to give your home a once over. Furthermore, you want to make sure that everything is working like it should be before the snow flies. The following maintenance tips will make your house better and could help you save some money. Finally, you’ll ready to put up your holiday decorations!
Fall Maintenance Tips
Below, we have highlighted some of the most important tips. Then, at the end of this page, you can find links to a few websites with more information. Good luck, and call us with any questions. Stay warm!
Indoors:
- Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean the ducts.
- Stock up on furnace filters and remember to change them monthly.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in working order.
- Add an additional layer of insulation to your attic.
- Install and replace weather stripping on doors and windows.
- Reverse your ceiling fans so they are pushing warm air down.
- Uncover south-facing windows to let sunlight in your home.
- Use draft blockers, foam plates that fit behind light switches and electrical outlets, to reduce drafts.
Outdoors:
- If your home has a basement, cover the window wells with plastic shields to reduce the clean up when the snow thaws.
- Check gutters and clean them if necessary.
- Trim trees away from the house.
- Rake all debris and vegetation away from the siding and foundation.
- Shut off water faucets, disconnect hoses, and blow out sprinklers.
- Seal driveways, brick patios and wooden decks.
Helpful Websites:
About.com – Home Buying and Selling
http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/92607_WinterHom.htm
The Daily Green
http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/winterize-home-tips-energy-461008
The Home Energy Saver
http://www.earthshare.org/2008/09/button-up-your.html?gclid=CLu42IiCiqUCFQFoKgodcmCpMw
How to Winterize your Homes
http://www.productivity501.com/50-ways-to-winterize-your-home/5986/
