Have You Winterized Your Home

Have You Winterized Your Home?

Windows and Doors

Check the weather-stripping around doors and windows and repair or replace as needed.
Take a caulk gun and walk the perimeter looking for any openings that need to be sealed.
Check the door stops around each exterior door and make sure that they are in good repair.
Now is the time to install the storm doors and windows if you have them.
Make sure to seal the basement windows.
Any place that has an entry point on the exterior wall should be sealed.
You can buy special insulation kits for all exterior electrical boxes so they get sealed.

Insulation

If you attic is correctly insulated you will keep your heating and air conditioning bills in check.

R30 and greater in the attic is appropriate. Check with your local insulators as to the different types of insulation available to you.

Make a point to inspect your attic looking for void areas that will need to be improved

Older homes will have less insulation in the exterior walls and you may wish to evaluate how you can increase insulation in these areas.

Heating System

Now is the time to have a heating professional service your heating system.
Make sure to dismantle, clean vacuum all of the component parts including the vents.
All filters should be replaced and at least once every two month change out the filters.
A digital thermostat that can be set to operate at lower temperatures when you are away or during the evening will help to save your energy costs.
If you have fuel storage, then now would be an appropriate time to stock up.

Fireplace

Your chimney should be inspected and cleaned annually just before the winter months.
The greatest heat loss is through an open fireplace damper. It is a good idea to keep this closed when not in use.

Roof, Gutters and Downspouts.

Service the roof and secure all loose shingles.
Redo all flashing each year around the roof penetration points.
If you have a brick stack, then examine the mortar joints and seals and repair as needed.
Make sure the cap on the stack is in good shape and the screen is working. Add if not present.
Service and clean all of the gutter systems and make sure the downspouts work and add extensions to move water at least 5 feet from the wall.
Cut back all vegetation that may be close to the roof line or overhanging the roof.

Exterior Plumbing

Make sure you can react to an emergency situation if the pipes should burst. Know where the main shut off is at the street and in the house.
Close off the interior control valve to the outside water spigots and then open the exterior faucets to drain all water from the line. This will help to avoid a freeze and busted pipe.
If you have a swimming pool that has not been winterized, then make sure the pump is operating and moving water. This will help to avoid a freeze in the lines.
Winterize your sprinkler system if you have one and turn off the system for all quoi ponds.

Exterior Items

Clean and reseal your wooden porches and decks.
Walk the perimeter and check the exposed foundation walls. Repair all cracks found.
Unhook your garden hose and store for the winter.
If you own a pool, then either get a frost guard or winterize.
This is a good time to prune all of your shrubbery.
Either remove or cover your outdoor furniture and place it into storage.

Stock up on Emergency Items

Can you light a fire, burn candles etc?
Do you have batteries for your flashlight? No flashlight, then consider buying one.
Top up your gas tanks or fill up on fuel for the grill.
Test your generator system to make sure it is working. Now is a good time to have it serviced.
Do you need snow removal equipment? If so now is the time to buy. How about salt to melt ice.
In case of a power outage do you have canned food, bottled water and a manual can opener?
Consider loading up on firewood, fuel for your generator and kerosene heater. Be careful not to use equipment in the house that can create carbon monoxide and ultimately cause you harm.