Home Winterization Checklist — Get Ready!

As winter approaches you will want to keep your house warm and safe through the cold months. Here are some simple things you should do to ensure your house survives for the winter.

Preparing inside your home for winter

— Get your furnace serviced and replace filter (Replace air filters regularly it can significantly improve efficiency and longevity)

— Repalce thermostats, replacing them with programmable units helps save on heating costs

— For maximum heat retention, pack fiberglass insulation in crawls spaces. Just remember to wear gloves!

— Flush the water heater to remove sediment and keep it functioning at its best

— Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, recharge fire extinguishers

— Clockwise ceiling fans can help out by pushing hot air along the ceiling towards the floor

— Drain water lines: Irrigation, Garden hoses, etc.

— Check and replace broken seal drafts

— Have chimney inspected and cleaned.

— Get pipes well-insulated

Preparing outside your home for winter

— Inspect trees and trim dead limbs especially if they interfere with power lines or come close to roof

— Inspect the siding and roof shingles for crack and holes and repair as necessary

— Check all weather-stripping around doors and windows. Replace if necessary

— Clean or paint front door, polish front door hardware, ensure doorbell works

— Disconnect and store garden hoses. Turn off and drain sprinkler systems

— Clean and repair damaged gutters