As warm summer months fade away, it’s time to get into that cozy fall spirit. It’s time to break out the pumpkins and other fall décor, your favorite sweaters and scarves, and get ready for autumn and winter ahead of us. Regardless of whether you expect to see snow and sub-zero temperatures this season, or have plans to spend the next few months somewhere sunny and warm, you’ll want to prepare your home for the worst cold weather winter will throw at it. Take a weekend and give your home a winter once-over it could save you a lot of hassle over the next few months!
Keeping your home warm is one of the biggest priorities during the fall and winter. Now is the time to find and address any drafts in your home. As temperatures begin to fall, you might notice a few drafts around windows and doors. Replace worn weather stripping and caulking before those really chilly winter nights. These aren’t the only places where your home could be less than air tight: consider electrical outlets, switch plates, baseboards, attic hatches, exhaust vents, and even inlets for cable, phone, and Ethernet lines.
Don’t forget to have your fireplace cleaned and inspected before firing it up this fall. The same goes for your HVAC system. Exchange and clean filters and ducts for your central heating system, and have your furnace inspected. Space heaters should also be inspected for safety.
There are many outdoor tasks you’ll want to complete before chilly becomes freezing: the exterior of your home needs to be winterized too! Check gutters for clogged leaves or other debris. Removing the debris prior to freezing temps is paramount to ensure the gutters continue to protect your siding and landscaping. Take the time to inspect the roof and siding for places that might need some repair.
Prepare your landscaping and gardening tools for storage for the winter months. Drain outdoor faucets and garden hoses. Store tools, pots, and planters in the garage or shed where they won’t get lost or damaged by winter conditions. Make sure your sprinkler system is off, and of course, don’t forget to reinforce and insulate exposed pipes.
Taking some time to prepare your home for the coming winter months is a great step in protecting your greatest asset – your home.