It’s time to think about winterizing your house, no matter whether you’ll be there all winter or plan to be away for an extended period. Don’t panic, the tasks aren’t overwhelming when you prepare for winter one step at a time!
Heating System Checks
• Have a heating professional do a routine-check before cold weather arrives.
• Vacuum vents and other heating components.
• Replace the furnace filter. Make future replacements as needed or directed by your furnace manufacturer.
• Reprogram your thermostat settings for winter. This includes setting the clock back to standard time.
• Try not to set your thermostat higher than 72° F when you’re at home. Lower your thermostat to 65° F when you’re sleeping or away from home.
• If your thermostat uses batteries, now may be the time to replace them.
Seal Around Doors and Windows
• Add or replace worn weather-stripping around doors and windows.
• Caulk gaps where necessary.
• Replace worn door sweeps at the bottom of doors.
• Don’t forget to winterize basement windows.
• Use caulking and weather-stripping around entry points for all pipes and ducts that travel through an exterior wall.
Check the Fireplace
• Have the chimney inspected and cleaned.
• If you’re not using your fireplace, keep the damper airtight to keep warm air from escaping your home.
Check the Roof
• Replace loose shingles.
• Make sure the flashing around the chimney or vent pipes is watertight.
• Check the bricks and mortar.
• Clean gutters and point downspouts away from the house.
• Trim tree limbs that are hanging over or touching the roof.
Winterize the Plumbing
• Take care of known issues with pipes that freeze. Heat tape can be used to keep them warm during extremely cold weather.
• Learn how to turn off water at its source so that you can stop leaks immediately if they start.
• Drain water from outdoor faucets and sprinklers.
Winterizing Outdoor Items
• Give decks an additional coat of sealer.
• Check the foundation and siding for cracks or gaps. Repair as necessary.
• Drain garden hoses, roll them up, and store them inside.
• Prune shrubbery and add mulch to perennial flowerbeds.