Ways of Preparing Your Home for Fall and Winter

7 Dec

Follow these do-it-yourself maintenance tips to make sure your home stays in ship-shape all fall and winter long.

1. Clean Out the Gutters
Remove leaves and other debris from your drainpipe and gutters to prevent clogging. In areas with cold winters, outdoor faucets should be drained in the fall.

2. Clean the Fireplace and Chimney
You can clean out ash and charred wood from the fireplace yourself, but leave the chimney cleaning to a professional. Have the chimney cleaner check the damper to ensure it can be tightly closed to prevent drafts.

3. Store Air Conditioners
If you have removable window air conditioners, be sure to unplug them before taking them down. Dust and clean before covering or storing.

4. Clean the Heating System
Do a survey of your home’s heating vents to make sure they’re not blocked or covered by furniture,carpeting, or curtains. Dust Vent and clean all filters. Make an appointment for an annual heating system check-up.

5. Put Up Storm Windows
If you have removable screens then it’s time to clean, store and replace them with storm windows.

6. Ready the Water Heater
Prepare for cooler weather by draining the water heater and cleaning out any debris that has settled in the tank.

7. Check the Drafts
Stay warm, save energy, and reduce your heating bills this fall by examining windows and doors for cracks and sealing them to prevent drafts.