Now that winter is upon us, it is a good time to do some quick winterizing to make sure your home is ready for the cold months ahead. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. With all the houses I tour every year, I see so many things that could have been prevented if they had been addressed in a timely manner. If you need any professional referrals for anything that might come up when you do your winterizing, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
· Roof and Gutters-the leaves and pine needles should be cleaned off the roof. This is a good time to clean the gutters too and possibly installed gutter covers. Downspouts can get clogged with debris so make sure to clean them out. Clogged downspouts can cause lots of problems when we get large amounts of rain.
· Sprinkler System-if you have not done this yet, it is important to clear the lines of water and shut off the system for the year.
· Outdoor Faucets-you will want to shut the water off to the outdoor faucets (if you can) otherwise unhook hoses and put on an insulated faucet cover available at Home Depot for around $3 (a good investment).
· Windows and Doors-check for gaps where heat could be escaping. If there are any gaps install weather stripping to close them. You should also check your electrical outlets where heat can also escape.
· Furnace-get furnace serviced to make sure it is working properly and change filter.
· Chimney-make sure that the flue is working properly, no birds or other critters have nested in it and have a chimney sweep clean the chimney (if it has not been done in the last couple of years).
· Ceiling Fans-switch the fan direction so the cold air is going up and warm air is being pushed down.
These few items will help to ensure that your house is all set for the cold and rainy months ahead.
Awesome post! Keep up the great work! 🙂