Getting your home ready for winter

Here are some helpful tips on how to get your home ready for cooler weather.

Heating System

-          Make sure all heating vents are opened and unblocked by furniture or Christmas trees/decorations. This will ensure that the air flows properly throughout your house.

-          Remember to check your air filter; this will keep your heating unit from working too hard.

-          When you first turn on your heater if you feel like the unit is struggling or the level of noise is excessive you might want to call a qualified technician for a tune up on your heating system.

-          Make sure to check your propane level, for those of you who live outside the city limits. 

Prevent Plumbing Freezes

-          Drain all garden hoses

-          Insulate exposed plumbing pipes

-          If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to a reasonable temperature.

-          Winterize your irrigation system to prevent freezing. 

Exterior Doors & Windows

-          Check the weather-stripping around all exterior doors to prevent cold air from entering your house.             

-          Make sure to caulk all windows

-          Inspect the exterior of you home for cracks and exposed entry points around pipes, if you discover one, seal it!!

Inspect Roof

-          Replace any worn shingles or tiles

-          Make sure ridge vents are unobstructed

Check Insulation

-          Make sure your attic is insulated. Often time’s older homes have little to no attic insulation. If this is the case large amounts of heat will escape though the ceiling.

-          Make sure there is weathering stripping or insulation around attic hatch or door to prevent warm air from escaping.

Landscaping

-          Trim trees or branches that are close to your roof or electrical lines. The best time to prune your trees is the fall, which has already pasted us by but if your house is in danger of getting a broken tree limb on its roof it might be best to still take the precaution now

-          Move sensitive potted plants indoors or to shelter when outside temperatures are below freezing temperatures. For some people that might mean moving all 41 of their orchids into the house, yes dad I’m talking to you. If you are unable to move the plant, cover with a sheet or blanket to protect it from the freezing temperatures.

With the colder weather there are a few more things to think about around the house. Hopefully thinking about them before hand will prevent any major problems once the real winter chill is here.