With what was an usually warm September and October this year, its hard to believe that winter is just around the corner. Time to finish up that to do list before the temperatures really dip and we welcome that first snowfall. Here are some reminders to keep your home in tip top shape and to avoid costly repairs when the first signs of spring appear.
- First, drain all of your outside hose bibs and include the one in your garage. Hoses should be disconnected and stored in the garage or basement.
- Next, check your furnace filter and replace it if necessary – you should also have at least one spare filter – most furnaces will shut down as a safety precaution when the filter is dirty and that’s no fun when temperatures are freezing. It’s a good idea to have your furnace serviced now as well.
- Cover your outside A/C condenser.
- Remove any window air conditioning units and store.
- If your doors and windows show signs of disintegrating caulking, now is the time to replace it – this is ongoing homeowner maintenance and important to the upkeep of your home.
- Make sure your weather strip is in tact around your doors to keep that cold air out as well.
- If your home is older, you may want to consider applying insulation around light and electrical outlets if you feel cold air coming in from them.
- Clean your dryer venting to the outside – this should be done periodically to protect from fire.
- Have your gutters cleaned and make sure the downspouts are clear. If ice builds up, the water has no where to go and when the melting occurs, it will back up under your shingles and leak into your home.
- Rake up and remove all those leaves that have fallen and make sure that the bottom of your downspouts are open to allow the water to flow freely.
- Cover and store your outdoor summer furniture and secure your smaller flower planters.
- Lastly, it’s not too early to buy a bag of salt and that new snow shovel you may need.
Enjoy the beauty of the winter season!