Preparing Your Home for the Winter
Are You & Your Home Ready for the Winter Season?
Take a look at some of these great tips to help prepare for the cold months that are to come.
We all depend on our heating systems to keep us warm and comfortable when the temperature drops. There are some things you can do to help your home stay nice and toasty when you need it!
Do you have a fireplace? Whether it’s a gas or wood burning fireplace it is important to get it checked out. Hiring a professional to check the chimney on your wood burning fireplace for any critters that may have made a home, that the damper is functioning properly and also for any cracks or crumbling masonry will get a jump on any repairs that may be needed. This will help to ensure any issues are addressed immediately to prevent future problems. Gas burning fireplaces should be checked as well to make sure they will function properly before use to identify serious problems such as checking the lines for any carbon monoxide leaks, cleaning the blower and checking the pilot light.
This beautiful gas-log fireplace warms the room in more ways than one. Whether you plan on using your fireplace throughout the winter, or are just closing it up for the season- it’s crucial for the safety and protection of your home to have a professional check to make sure it’s in working condition.
The following winter maintenance schedule (Provided by Old Republic Home Protection) can help you prepare your home for winter weather and keep your home systems and appliances in tip-top shape!
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Plumbing
- Close and drain hose bibs
- Inspect Water Heater temperature pressure relief valve for signs of leaks or discharge
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Electrical
- Ensure flashlights have fresh batteries in case of a power outage
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Heating & Cooling
- Have fireplaces and flues inspected and cleaned; repair as needed
- Schedule heating system tune-up and cleaning
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Exterior
- Check paint, siding, or masonry for deterioration (detereriorated paint can lead to widespread rot)
- One topcoat of paint sohuld last four or five years, but coats can last twice as long
- Trim foundation plantings to leave a foot of clear space between plants and home
- Rake debris away from house and other structures
- Clean gutters and downspouts; repair as needed
- Check roof and roof penetrations for leaks
- Check exterior house siding for signs of rot
- Trim any tree branches near or touching roof or gutters
- Check all exterior caulk; repair as needed
- Insulate for winter
- On a windy day, feel around the edges of doors, windows, and fireplaces for any air leaks
- Look for dust piles as clues to leaks
- Caulk and repair weather stripping as needed
- Clear debris from storm window weep holes
- Clean out under decks and porches, as well as the space between deck boards
- Clean out basement window wells
- Check paint, siding, or masonry for deterioration (detereriorated paint can lead to widespread rot)
