Time to Winterize Your Home

It’s still warm enough to work in the yard, but not for too much longer!  Here is a helpful list of things you may want to do before winter arrives . . . 

Test run your heating system, before you will need it.  Take care of any maintenance, such as replacing the air filer.  Consider hiring a professional to inspect your heating system.  It is a good idea to check and clean vents and exhausts too.  

Test or replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.  

If you have a fireplace, it’s time to clear obstructions from the chimney.  In case an animal has made a nest, be certain that the material is thoroughly removed.  Check the damper and chimney draft.  Have the chimney cleaned and repair any open mortar joints.

We have some pretty cold winters here in Montana.  Insulate exposed water pipes.  Turn off outdoor faucets from their main water supply inside the house and drain the excess at the exterior.  Flush and winterize your sprinkler system.  

I like to remove the screens to clean the outside (and inside) of my windows one more time, before the snow flies.  

Once all of the leaves have fallen, clean out the gutters and downspouts to limit ice buildup.  

While you are up there, sneak a peak at the roof and make sure there aren’t any loose or missing shingles, etc.  

You may also need to tend your garden, flower bed, prune hedges and trees before they lay dormant for a long winter’s nap.  

The cool dry days of autumn are a great time to seal or stain wooden decks.  

Put away patio furniture.

Drain the gas from your lawn mower and prepare your snowplow / blower so that it is ready for operation.  

Am I forgetting anything?  Let me know what you do to prepare your home for winter. 

I will be sharing tips on how to make your home more heat efficient next week, stay tuned.

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