10 Tips for Winterizing your Home

1. Service and Clean your Heating System

Having your furnace serviced can prevent future repairs that happen at inconvenient times. Cleaning your equipment and changing those dirty filters can help with the longevity of your system, not to mention the savings you will see on your energy bill.  

2. Service and Clean your Fireplace

Inspect and/or have your chimney pipe cleaned. Make sure your blower is working properly. 

Depending on your stove type, stock up on pellets or wood.

*Tip-hardwoods and dry wood are the best option for burning because they burn slower and leave less residue in your stove pipe.

3. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

You don’t want to be cold while circulating your air. Set the direction of your ceiling fans to clockwise so that they will push heat downward. Your toes will thank you for the warmth. 

 4. Protect Your Pipes

 Insulate any exposed pipes that are in unheated areas like your crawl space or basement. Sometimes condensate drains are exposed and may need rerouted as well.  

5. Winterize Those Outside Faucets

Make sure to disconnect those garden hoses and drain any remaining water that might be in the faucet. You may also consider insulating the faucet.

6. Clean Rain Gutters

Get that ladder out and check those gutters for any leaves or dirt that might have collected. Clean those spouts to ensure proper drainage of melting snow or rain.

7. Roof Inspection

While you are on the ladder checking those gutters, you might want to inspect your roof for any damage that might cause any future leaking.  

8. Blow out Your Sprinkler System

Freezing temperatures will cause your sprinkler system to burst, so make sure you get your sprinklers blown out.  

9. Inspect your Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Keep your family safe this winter by checking the batteries and function of your alarms.  If you have gas appliances in your home, carbon monoxide detectors can save your life and health in case of an emergency or leak.  

10. Tea Kettle Inspection

Make sure your kettle is ready to heat water for plenty of hot cocoa or your favorite hot beverage for those chilly or snowy days. Winters are always better with a warm mug in your hands.