Winterizing your home for the winter is important to keep your home running smoothly throughout the cold winter months. Fall is the best time of year to winterize your home. It is much better to prepare now when it is not as cold then later when it is below freezing.

Winterizing your Home Tip #1 – Inspect your Furnace

• Contact a professional to inspect furnace and clean ducts.
• Buy a stock of furnace filters. Change them on a monthly basis.
• Purchase a programmable thermostat if you do not already have one.
• For homes heated by a hot water radiator, the valves will need to be bled. Open them slightly and when you can see the water, close them.
• Remove flammable material that is around your furnace.

Winterizing your Home Tip #2 – Check or Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Buy extra batteries for smoke detectors. Change them.
• The carbon monoxide detector should be installed near the furnace and/or water heater, as well as next to bedrooms.
• Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Winterizing your Home Tip #3 – Prepare your Fireplace for winter

• Purchase a fire extinguisher or replace one that is older than 10 years.
• Put a cap or screen on the top of the chimney to keep rodents and birds out.
• Clean chimney to remove soot and creosote.
• Buy or chop firewood. Be sure to store in dry place away from your home.
• Fireplace damper should be inspected for proper opening and closing.

Winterizing your Home Tip #4 – Prepare Equipment

• Lawnmowers should be drained.
• Replace old rakes and snow shovels.
• Store away summer equipment.
• Sharpen ice choppers and buy ice-melt/sand bags.
• Service and/or tune up snow blowers.

Winterizing your Home Tip #5 – Check your Doors, Windows, and Exterior

• Inspect and seal up any crevice cracks at entry points around pipes.
• Doors should be weatherstripped to prevent cold air from getting in.
• Caulk the windows.
• Cracked glass in windows should be replaced. Prime and pain exposed wood.
• Put in glass replacement windows for the screens. Install storm windows.
• Installing window weather-stripping

Winterizing your Home Tip #6 – Check the Foundation

• Debris should be raked away from the foundation.
• Entry points should be sealed up to prevent small animals from crawling up under house.
• Foundation cracks should be sealed.
• Check sill plates for dry rot or pests.
• Crawlspace entrances should be secured.

Winterizing your Home Tip #7 – Roof, Gutters, & Downspouts need to be Inspected

• Add extra insulation to attic to prevent the warm air from getting out. This can cause ice dams.
• Make sure water cannot get into your home by checking the flashing.
• Worn roof shingles or tiles should be replaced.
• Gutters should be cleaned out. Use a hose.
• Install leaf guards on gutters to direct water away from your home.

Winterizing your Home Tip #8 – Prepare Pipes to Avoid Freezing

• Know where you water main is in case of an emergency shut off.
• Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.
• Drain garden hoses.
• Drain air conditioner pipes. Turn off water shut-off valve, if you have one.
• Leave heat on to at least 55 degrees if you leave the house for an extended period of time, such as vacation.

Winterizing your Home Tip #9 – Protect Landscaping and Surfaces Outside

• Prune trees, if needed.
• Plant any spring flower bulbs you have.
• Seal your driveway, brick patio, and deck.
• Move potted plants indoors.

Winterizing your Home Tip #10 – Get an Emergency Kit Ready

• Purchase indoor candles and matches or lighter in case of power outage.
• Tape up utility phone numbers near or around phone.
• Purchase a battery backup for computer.
• Purchase and store bottled water and non-perishable food supplies. Don’t forget pet food, blankets, and first-aid kit. Store this in an easy location.
• Have an evacuation plan written down and practiced in case of an emergency.

Winterize your home with these simple steps and you will be prepared for winter.

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