Be Safe & Warm This Winter
You may want to consider winterizing your home to keep it safe from the cold, long and dark winter months. Winterizing your property can go a long way to prevent problems caused by chilly weather, while keeping your home healthy and in good repair. Use this checklist of items to make sure your property is properly winterized.
For the interior of your home, ensure these items are checked to maximize energy efficiency and minimize problems…
- Replace weather stripping and door sweeps to prevent air leaks.
- Make sure windows do not have any broken glass.
- Install storm doors and windows.
- Clean ducts and have your furnace inspected yearly.
- Clean or change furnace filters.
- Install a programmable thermostat and keep temperatures lower when you are not at home.
- Run ceiling fans in reverse to push warmer air downward (away from the ceiling).
- Insulate water pipes to prevent freezing.
- Turn water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add insulation in the attic, if necessary.
Now that you have taken care of the inside, it’s time to concentrate on making the exterior of your home safe and efficient as well…
- Have your roof inspected for loose shingles and areas of potential leaks. Make necessary repairs.
- Make sure all gutters and downspouts are clear of debris.
- Remove any cracked caulk around doors and windows and install fresh new caulk.
- Drain air conditioner pipes.
- Install protective coverings and insulate your crawl space entrance.
- Visually inspect foundation walls for cracks. Seal them to prevent pest entry.
Let’s not forget addressing landscape and other maintenance issues…
- Trim away all branches touching the house.
- Drain lawn equipment of gasoline and oils.
- Remove yard debris from equipment.
- Place a winterizing slow-release fertilizer on your lawn to help through the winter.
- Remove hoses from faucets and drain them prior to storing.
- Winterize irrigation system by draining and blowing out the lines.
- Turn off water to exterior faucets and cover them to prevent freezing.
And just in case you want to go the extra mile, here are a couple of miscellaneous items…
- Create an emergency kit in case of power outages (including non-perishable food, candles, matches and flashlights, bottled water, radio, battery backups for electronics, extra pet food, medicines and first aid kits).
- Buy a snow shovel and some sand to spread in icy conditions.
- Consider purchasing a back-up generator.
Utilizing these tips not only creates an energy efficient home, but can prevent wintertime disasters from occurring. Have a safe and cozy season!
Sarah Hoey is the IHCA executive director.
