As the colder months approach, it's important to get your home ready for winter to avoid potential issues in the future and to ensure your family’s comfort and safety.
Here’s a handy checklist to help you prepare:
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Heating System Check
- Schedule a Professional Inspection: Have your furnace or heating system serviced by a professional to ensure it’s running efficiently.
- Replace Air Filters: Change the air filters in your HVAC system to improve air quality and efficiency.
- Test Your HVAC System: Run your heating system to make sure it’s working properly before the cold weather sets in.
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Insulation and Sealing
- Check Insulation: Inspect insulation in any accessible areas of your attic, walls, and basement. Add insulation if necessary to keep your home warm and reduce energy costs. Do not traverse the undecked attic areas; view the attic from solid footing or use thermal imaging cameras from inside the home.
- Seal Drafts: Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent heat loss.
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Plumbing Preparation
- Insulate Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes in unconditioned areas to prevent freezing and bursting.
- Drain and Store Hoses: Remove and drain garden hoses. Store them in a garage or shed to prevent damage.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect pipes for leaks and address any issues to avoid freezing.
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Roof and Gutters
- Inspect Roof: Walk around the home to get as many viewing angles of the rooftop as possible. Binoculars or even the zoom feature on your phone camera can help you more closely view potential areas of concern. Check for missing or damaged shingles, damaged flashing, chimney trim issues, etc., and have them repaired to prevent leaks.
- Clean Gutters: Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and avoid ice dams.
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Exterior Maintenance
- Trim Trees: Trim any overhanging branches that could fall on your home during a winter storm.
- Protect Exterior Surfaces: Touch up exterior paint to prevent peeling and protect surfaces from harsh winter weather.
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Safety Precautions
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure all detectors are working properly and replace batteries if needed.
- Prepare Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
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Driveway and Walkways
- Inspect for Cracks: Fill in any cracks in driveways or walkways to prevent precipitation from freezing inside them, leading to worsening of the crack during freezing temperatures.
- Stock Up on Ice Melt: Keep a supply of ice melt or sand to manage slippery surfaces and prevent accidents.
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Windows and Doors
- Check Seals: Inspect window and door seals and replace any damaged weather stripping.
- Cover Windows: Consider using insulating window covers or thermal curtains to help retain heat.
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Fireplaces and Chimneys
- Clean Chimney: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to prevent chimney fires.
- Check Fireplace Tools: Ensure you have all necessary tools for safe operation and have a supply of firewood if you use a wood-burning fireplace.
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General Housekeeping
- Update Contact Information: Ensure your contact information is up to date with local repair and emergency services.
- Review Insurance Policy: Check your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you have adequate coverage for winter-related issues.
By following this checklist, you help ensure your home is ready for winter and avoid common problems that arise during the colder months. Also, consider following on Facebook to stay tuned for future checklists, helpful tips and upcoming video tutorials.