A checklist for winterizing your home this month will prepare your house for the cold weather and give you peace of mind when it comes.
- Your fireplace: Get your fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned, and make sure it’s working. Stack some firewood. You may need it if your power goes out. And if it doesn’t, a cozy fire will warm up a room on a cold night.
- Your heater: Check the furnace, change out the filter, and vacuum out dust and debris to maximize efficiency. If you can, install a programmable thermostat to better control utility usage and save money.
- Your windows and doors: Add a thermal curtain or drapes to windows. Seal cracks and gaps. Check weather stripping and replace it if necessary. Add a decorative (and useful) door sweep to all outside facing doors to control the cold air coming in. Don’t forget to install your storm doors and windows if you have them for extra insulation.
- Your plumbing: Wrap outdoor faucets and exposed pipes to prevent disastrous freezing and bursting when temperatures drop.
- Your roof: Make sure tree branches are clear of your home in case of ice or snow breakage. Clean gutters to help melting snow run off your roof easily.
- Your yard: Add a layer of mulch to garden beds and around trees. Bring potted plants inside that are not able to withstand the cold. Fertilize and water your lawn one more time.