Prepare your home for colder weather

The leaves have changed color and are rapidly littering our lawns, there is a nip in the air and the Christmas decorations are already in the stores. That means the winter is on it’s way and now is the time to start preparing your home for the colder weather ahead.

Putting in a little time and effort on home maintenance now can help you save a bundle on your winter electric bills. It can also help make this winter a more comfortable and safer one for you and your family. Here are a few tips you may want to keep in mind:

·         Inspect the roof * - Replace missing or broken shingles, shake pieces, or tiles. Make sure the flashing around vent pipes, skylights and chimney is secure.

·         Clean the chimney and fireplace * - Remove build-up of combustible creosote from the chimney, hearth and firebox. If you only use your fireplace a few times each year, you can do this every few years instead of annually. Make sure the chimney, as well as outdoor electrical fixtures and vents are clear of birds’ nests.

·         Unclog the gutters * - Clean the gutter channels and clear the downspouts of debris. Make sure that downspouts funnel water away from the foundation. Replace broken or deteriorating gutters and downspouts.

·         Inspect the foundation – Look for signs of water damage. Make sure that dirt around the house is graded to drain water away form the foundation. If you have any underground drainage systems or a sump pump, make sure it operates properly.

·         Check the heating system – Change filters and check registers and ducts for blockages. Consider hiring a professional to have your furnace inspected for rust and cracks in the heat exchangers, gas leaks, burner operations, carbon monoxide, combustion air, safety controls, blower systems, the condition of venting and humidifier.

·         Insulate – Replace or add caulk or weather stripping around doors or windows, between the foundation and siding, and wherever bricks and wood make contact. Both of these flexible sealants degrade over time. Make sure you have sufficient attic insulation. Most areas require at least six inches of insulation materials.

·         Winterize your windows – If you have window units or doors with combination screen/storm windows, remove the screen, wash and store and install storm windows. Remove window air conditioning units.

·         Run gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel tank is empty – This keeps you form storing flammable liquid in the garage until next spring. Also make sure there are no dirty or oily rags stored. These can spontaneously combust.

·         Change batteries in your smoke detectors – Daylight Savings Time ended on October 31. That is the traditional time to take care of smoke detector maintenance. If you have not already done so, change the batteries and clean and test the unit.

* When working on your roof or on ladders, be sure to stay clear of power lines. Consider hiring a professional to handle these more dangerous maintenance tasks.

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