Battening Down the Hatches for Winter

from Bettina

Daylight savings has ended, and everyone seems to remember to bring in their plants from the frost, but no one likes to take the time to ready their abode for winter. Here on the east coast, winter brings a fairly significant change in climate, and homeowners have a list of tasks to complete to winterize their homes.

Yes, yes, I can hear your complaints from here. I mean, why should you have to clean out your gutters right now? I feel the same way, but would you rather clean out your gutters when it’s still relatively pleasant outside, or when it’s freezing and your fingers are numb from scooping out wet, semi-frozen, moldy, gunky leaf matter?

Taking care of these crucial tasks can help you save money on utility bills in the long run. Prepare for winter now, and you’ll be glad you did when cold weather settles in. Trust me.

Clean Your Gutters—You’ve heard it before, but this is one of the most important things to do if you don’t have those fancy gutter guards that keep the leaves out. Making sure that water can flow freely through your gutters will prevent potentially dangerous icicles or ice dams later on. You can do this yourself, or if you’re not too keen on getting on the ladder call a local company to help you out.

Replace Stuff—By “stuff,” I mean things like air filters, the filter in your furnace, lightbulbs in outdoor fixtures that have been waiting for you to change them. Also don’t forget to replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Make it a habit every year when daylight savings ends to change the batteries in these whether they’re old or not. Better safe than sorry.

Check for Drafts—Little gaps around windows or doors will let in the cool air that you’re working so hard to keep out. Seal up those holes with caulk, install storm doors and windows to help reduce air flow, or simply use a door snake/guard.

Give Your Heating System a Tune-up—Just like cars, the mechanics of your home need to be checked once in a while. Call a qualified technician in your area early – they get backed up once the cold weather really starts to set in. Some manufactures and dealers will even offer free or discounted inspections. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Trim the Trees—Take a stroll around your yard and examine your trees closely. Do you see any limbs that could possibly knock out power to your home? Do you see limbs that could hit your car or the unsuspecting passerby if they broke off during a winter snow storm? Take time now to trim any weak or dead branches that look as if they could cause problems during winter storms. Trimming the trees during mild weather is much easier than trying to deal with a situation when it’s frigid outside.

Check the Chimney—If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace and you plan on using it this winter, make sure your chimney is clean and no animals have made themselves at home there. The last thing you need when cozying up fireside is a disaster waiting to happen. Call a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clean out any soot or other dangerous debris.

Be Proactive About Plumbing—If you live in climates that tend to have cycles of freezing and thawing, make sure that your plumbing isn’t exposed to the elements. This can cause pipes to burst – a disaster that can result in severe water damage and/or the growth of mold. Add some insulation around pipes that are on an exterior wall and while you’re at it add some around your hot water heater so that it doesn’t have to work so hard.

Also, don’t forget to drain all outdoor hoses, and turn off water spigots since you won’t be using them anyway.

Check Your Stock of Snow Removal Tools—The worst thing after a big storm has passed is finding out that the trusty tools you used last year aren’t quite so trusty anymore. People often wait until the first snowfall to buy these crucial supplies, but the stores often run out when a big storm is on the way. Check the condition of your snow shovels, snow blower (if you have one – you lucky duck), ice melt/salt/sand, and get them early.