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Tips To Get Your Home Ready For Winter

by www.HouseFixer.info

Winter is coming and that means we will be spending more time at home. To ensure a safe and cozy winter, here are seven easy steps you can take to prepare your home. The majority of these tasks can be completed by a “Handy” homeowner. If you are in doubt about any listed task it is best to call a qualified professional. Maintaining your home this Fall will ensure your home is in good shape through the Winter.

STOP THE DRAFT. Prevent cold air from entering your home by checking your home’s weather-stripping and caulking. You’ll find weather-stripping and/or caulking usually around windows and entry doors. Look for signs of wear and replace if needed. Consider sealing up your drafty windows with a clear plastic film. This is inexpensive and kits are readily available at your local hardware or home improvement store. If you have a crawlspace or basement equipped with vents, it’s generally a good idea to close them during the winter to help keep pipes from freezing.

BRING IT INSIDE. When the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night, it’s time to start bringing in those outside items inside. Plants are a good place to start, but check with your garden supply store for specifics. Clearing garden hoses of water and storing them inside. Outside furniture, grills, toys and other recreational items usually last longer if they aren’t exposed to the winter weather.

DON’T BE COOL. Finding out your heating system doesn’t work properly on the first cold night of the year is not fun for anyone. Go ahead and turn on your heating system and check to see if it appears to heat your home. Don’t forget to change all of your air filters too! It is best to have a qualified heating specialist come check your system before it gets cold.

WATER TRYING TO GET IN. Water will enter your home if your home is not properly sealed and weatherized. Your first line of defense is your roof and siding. Take a good look at your roof and siding from the ground looking for missing or damaged shingles and siding. Looking through a pair of binoculars often helps with this. Next check in your attic looking for signs of water. Finally, check your basement or crawlspace for signs of water. Remember water usually leaves a mark darker than the item it dried on. It is good to catch these problems while they are small.

WATER TRYING TO GET OUT. Fall is a good time to check each of the plumbing fixtures in you home to be sure that you don’t have any leaks. Remember many times leaks start small and get bigger thereby causing greater damage. Places to check include: around toilets, under sinks, around tubs & showers, and your hot water heater. Again, check for signs of water where it shouldn’t be, all around your home.

DON’T GO UP IN SMOKE OR FLAMES. If you use your wood burning fireplace or stove, have it checked by a qualified chimney sweeper before the winter hits. Excessive build up of creosote in your chimney flue can cause fires in your chimney which can spread to your house. Most chimney sweep companies offer low-cost or even free inspections. Be on the safe side and have it checked. While on the subject of fire safety, go ahead and check the operation of and change the battery if needed in each of your homes smoke detectors.

ASK FOR HELP. Don’t wait until something breaks to find someone to repair your home. You should have the names and contact information for qualified service people in your area. Ask your friends and colleagues for referrals. Getting referrals are often a great way of finding someone that you can rely on. Some service professionals to consider having names and phone numbers for include: Plumber, Electrician, Heating & AC Repairman, and a General Handyman.

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