Winter Ready
I never thought it was going to happen! With all the unseasonably warm weather we’ve had it seemed as if we were going to skip winter entirely! Ha, but the cold air blew in and hit me like a hard packed snowball! Now is the time to do basic home winterization – before the temperature really drops. Here is my budget checklist for evaluating and maintaining your home, inside and out, in preparation for a warm and safe winter.
Interior:
1. Look for any leaks that may cause water to drip in your home and fill
2. Seal and cracks, gaps or holes with caulk and weather-stripping.
3. Seal gaps and cracks around windows and door and check windowpanes.
4. Inspect insulation in your attic to make sure it is in good condition and all gaps are filled. Heat rises!
5. Have your fireplace and flue/chimney cleaned. Use a sturdy screen in front of your fireplace and make sure to open when using the fireplace and close afterward it to avoid any heat loss.
6. Make sure your heating vents are clean and checked by a licensed HVAC professional. Have ducts cleaned and filters changed.
7. Insulate your gas tank or keep extra propane in the garage.
8. Keep your water hot! Insulate your water pipes.
9. Test your smoke alarm/carbon monoxide detector and change the batteries.
10. Install storm windows or replace old windows that are not made from insulated glass.
11. Make sure your ductwork is properly sealed.
Exterior:
1. Clean leaves from gutters
2. Look for damaged shingles and leaky vents on and around roof and replace or repair.
3. Make sure all steps, railings, walkways, driveways around your house are in good shape – crack free and level. You don’t want anyone to fall.
4. Drain and cut off all outside water and shut off outside faucets.
5. Power wash deck and waterproof. Empty planter pots and stack upside down, and store until next spring.
6. Cover window air conditioning units to conserve heat loss.
7. Trim your trees by cutting off or removing any weak or long branches that can break and fall under the weight of snow or ice.
8. Add a layer of mulch to your garden – like a blanket for your shrubs and perennial flowers.
9. Cover or store deck furniture and grill.
10. Insulate water pipes that are exposed to the cold weather.
Create a Winter Emergency Kit:
-Flashlight
-Extra Batteries
-Candles
-Matches, Lighter
-First Aid Kit
-barbara k! 30 pc toolkit
-Snow shovel
-Insulated grip gloves
-Hand operated can opener and/or army knife
-Salt for sidewalk and driveways
-Wood for the fireplace
-Bottled water
Last but certainly not least , have lots of wood stacked by your fireplace and plenty of hot chocolate in the cupboard!
If I can do it so can you!
