5 Tips to Help Winterize Your Home
Fall is here and that means it is time to be sure your house is ready for colder weather. Here are a few quick tips to get your home winter ready.
1) Clean your gutters. Fall leaves can clog gutters quickly. Be ready for the rain and snow run off with clean, clutter free gutters. While you are at it check your downspouts to be sure they are in working condition and are placing the water where you want it.
Home Improvement Coach Tip: Consider installing leaf guards to help keep your gutters clean year-round.
2) Seal doors and windows. Check around your doors and windows for cracks or gaps that can let cold air in. You can easily fix these with caulk or weather stripping. You can also hang additional window coverings over windows, like heavy curtains to help insulate windows.
Home Improvement Coach Tip: Installing double paned windows is a great way to keep the cold out and reduce your heating bill.
3) Check your heating system and/or fire place or wood stove. Before it gets too cold, test your furnace to be sure it is in working order. It is also a good time to replace your furnace filter. If you have a fireplace or wood stove be sure the chimney is clean and that damper is working properly.
Home Improvement Coach Tip: You should change your furnace filter about every 90 days. This helps with efficiency and helps keep the air in your house cleaner.
4) Bring in outdoor furniture and grills from decks and patios that can be damaged by winter weather. Or, be sure they are covered. Store garden hoses and sprinklers in a garage or shed. You may want to reseal your deck to protect it against the winter weather.
Home Improvement Coach Tip: You can purchase insulated covers for your outdoor faucets to help protect them from freezing during cold temperatures.
5) Stock up on or locate winter supplies and tools. Do you know where your snow shovel is? How about salt or sand to spread on icy sidewalks and driveways? Flashlights or lanterns incase the power goes out? If you have a wood stove or fireplace, how is your supply of firewood? Now is the time to ask yourself these questions and be sure you have everything you need before actually need it.
