Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Now that the temperature has begun to drop, consider these maintenance and end-of-season tasks to help you winterize your home and protect your property.

1. Check the gutters.

Prevent ice dams by cleaning out your gutters, installing gutter guards and then secure or replace loose or sagging gutters and downspouts, which can easily be pulled off the house by heavy snow and ice.

2. Protect the pipes.

Protect against frozen pipes by insulating those that could be susceptible to freezing. When the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit check plumbing (especially older plumbing) for cracks and leaks, insulate exterior pipes to prevent freezing,  and disconnect and drain your outside hose and faucet.

3. Seal the cracks.

Caulk holes and openings around windows, doors, air conditioners and mail chutes to help prevent cold air from seeping in. You can also install weather stripping and seals for an additional heat loss protection method.

4.  Check exterior driveways, walkways, steps, and railings

Snow, ice, shoveling, plowing, and snow melt can wreak havoc on outdoor surfaces. Repair any cracks or unevenness on driveways, walkways, and steps, and check that railings and staircases are sturdy and secure.

5.  Clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney

Creosote buildup can cause house fires and quickly turn a cozy evening in front of the hearth into a nightmare. Inspect your fireplace and chimney for creosote, debris, or animals who may have moved in, or, better yet, call a pro for a full chimney system check-up and clea

6.  Assess your insulation

To cut down on drafts from windows and doors, hang extra or insulated window treatments, remove screens, and install storm doors and windows. Check for insulation issues in the attic and basement, on exterior walls, and around windows and doors, replace worn-out weather-stripping, and seal gaps where bugs, critters, and cold can get in – and heat can get out.

7.  Maintain your heating system

Finding out that your heat is broken during a cold snap is not the way to spend a winter’s eve. Call a professional for seasonal maintenance, and change filters regularly to improve air quality and heating efficiency and keep your utility bills in check (now is also the time to remove window A/C units if you have them).

8. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Residential fires are more common in winter, so it is important that all your smoke detectors work. Check them monthly and replace batteries as needed. You should also consider installing a carbon monoxide detector to avoid inadvertently trapping the toxic gas in your home.

9. Clear the yard.

Keep the trees trimmed and remove dead branches and debris from your yard. Ice, snow and wind can weaken trees and cause branches to fall and potentially damage your home, car or even yourself and others.  Put outdoor furniture and grill away or cover it for the winter.

10. House the hose.

Remove all garden hoses that are attached to the house, drain them and store them away. Shut off the valves and insulate the faucet.

If you’re heading south for the winter, you need to take extra precautions. Turn the water completely off and consider having the plumbing system drained to keep pipes from freezing. Also, have a friend or neighbor check on your home regularly to look for any issues. If a problem is detected, act quickly to minimize potential damage to your property.