7 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter

The fall Equinox is a good time of year to start thinking about preparing your home for winter, because as temperatures begin to dip, your home will require maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape through the winter.

Here are seven tips to help you prepare your home for winter:

Before the Freezing Weather Arrives . . .

1) Get Your Furnace Inspected
Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.
Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.
Switch out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.
2) Get the Fireplace Ready
Call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.
Buy firewood & store in dry place.
3) Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows
Inspect exterior for crevice cracks & exposed entry points; seal them.
Use weather stripping around doors & caulk windows.
4) Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts (see article on ice dams)

5) Service Weather-Specific Equipment
Drain gas from lawnmowers.
Service or tune-up snow blowers.
Replace worn rakes and snow shovels.
6) Prevent Plumbing Freezes
Locate your water main shut it off in case of an emergency.
Drain all garden hoses.
Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.
7) Prepare an Emergency Kit
Stock up on candles & matches for use during a power shortage.
Keep the phone numbers for your utility companies handy.
Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies, blankets & a first-aid kit in a dry & easy-to-access location.