Happy first day of winter! Get your home winter ready with this list of 10 to-dos.
1. Prevent Pipes from Freezing
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- Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and place an insulated cover over the faucet. Keep the heat set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you are away.
2. Check Your Smoke & CO Detectors
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- Nothing new, but you should always check your detectors monthly and replace batteries when necessary. This is especially important to do during the winter since we keep windows closed and use fireplaces more often.
3. Protect Entryway Flooring
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- Avoid damaging your flooring by adding protective mats inside and outside your home’s entrance. It might be a good idea to provide a waterproof bin for wet shoes and boots.
4. Remove Debris from Gutters
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- Don’t let water back up in your gutters. Remove any debris to prevent leaks, ice dams, and damage to your roof and gutters.
5. Check Your Emergency Supply Stash
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- Better safe than sorry! Make sure you have flashlights, batteries, fresh bottled waters, shelf stable food etc. in case of any emergencies or power outages.
6. Reverse Ceiling Fans
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- Running the blades in a clockwise position during the colder months can push heated air down. This home maintenance task makes rooms with high ceilings more comfortable.
7. Install Storm Windows & Doors
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- This will help reduce heat loss during the winter months, especially homes with single-paned windows. If you plan on purchasing storm windows and doors, take accurate measurements beforehand.
8. Clean Window Weep Holes
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- Window weep holes are designed to drain rainwater that can collect in your window frames’ bottom channel. Sometimes bugs, dust, and debris can clog the weep holes which can cause water to fill up the channels and spill over into your home. If you notice your window weep holes are clogged, poke a wire hanger into the hole and use compressed air to clean it out.
9. Check Outdoor Lighting
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- Make sure all of your outdoor lights are functioning correctly, especially any motion sensor lights you might have. This will help prevent any slips or falls on ice covered driveways and pathways.
10. Check for Air Leaks
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- Check for air leaks around windows and doors and check for cracks in caulking or weatherstripping. Also, replace caulk and weatherstripping if necessary.
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season! Until next month!
