Yes, December is already here and the malls are as frantic as a cattle ranch with people buying gifts for their loved ones. Every year homeowners get so caught up in the festivities that they forget to give some TLC to the one thing that provides them with shelter… their home.
Winterization: To prepare your house / car for the cold winter months in order to ensure that it functions efficiently and effectively. Here are a few tips to help you Winterize your home: Inspect your Furnace- Check your furnace and clean your ducts
- Change your furnace filters monthly throughout the winter
- Think about switching your thermostat to a programmable thermostat
- Check the foundation, exterior, doors and windows for cracks and leaks that may be letting cold air in. Block all leaks that you find.
- Use weather stripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk all windows
- Replace worn roof shingles or tiles
- Clean out gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris
- Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home
- Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds
- Call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote if the chimney hasn’t been cleaned in a while.
- Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing
- Drain all garden hoses
- Insulate exposed plumbing pipes
- Shut off any pipes that lead to the exterior of your home as cold temperatures may cause the pipes to freeze and snap
- Trim trees if branches are too close to the electrical wires
- Seal drive ways, brick patios and wood decks
- Move temperature sensitive plants indoors
- Rake leaves and clear the surrounding storm drains
- Change the batteries if needed
- Invest in a carbon monoxide detector as the likeliness of this gas being present in your home during the winter months may increase.
