We All Know It's Coming. Let's Get Ready! . . .

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Winterizing your home is no fun when it's already freezing cold out. So fall is the time to get winterized in preparation for the season. Proper winterization involves a systematic review of your home's HVAC equipment as well as the critical structural and mechanical systems. Take care of these elements before winter so you can enjoy the snow in cozy comfort.

Home Exterior Maintenance

It’s best to perform exterior home maintenance in the fall before cold weather, snow, and ice hit. Identifying problems early and getting  on a repairman or contractor’s schedule is important as this is always a busy time of year for their business!

• Seal locations where rodents could take refuge. It only takes a small gap or hole in the siding or around windows or doors for mice, snakes, and other unwanted guests to slip into your home. Fill holes or gaps with caulk, hardware cloth, or have the area  correctly repaired to prevent further damage and uninvited pests.
• Check for foundation cracks. These might be found where the stone or concrete meets the siding, near pipes and wires that extend outside of your home, and around window or door frames. These can be sealed with caulk, preventing mold growth and greater cracking from shrink and swell in the cold weather.
• Examine your roof for missing shingles. If you spot any loose or missing shingles, be sure to replace them or hire a professional to do so. Your roof is a very important factor in keeping your home dry and protected against wet winter weather.
• Check for drafts and add weatherstripping or caulk. Did you know heat loss through windows and doors makes up 25-30% of heating energy lost? While your window and door materials can prevent a lot of this, checking for a tight seal makes a  big difference. This can be done by running your hand around windows and doors to check for any air movement. An easy way to check for tight seals is to close windows and doors on a piece of paper. If you can pull it out easily with the door still closed, you need some weatherstripping or a repair to get a tight seal. You can also add  sweeps to the base of doors to help keep drafts out. If you find a draft that weatherstripping isn’t helping, it may be a damaged or loose  window or door frame. This is usually something that will take a bigger fix, such as having your frame adjusted or repaired.
• Look for cracked or peeling paint and cracks in siding. Paint that isn’t holding up is a sign that your siding is in jeopardy. If this isn’t fixed, your siding will begin to deteriorate. Always take blemishes in paint on the  exterior of your home very seriously, as this is often the first sign that you need to make some updates to keep your home protected.

Heating and Cooling Systems

Regular upkeep of your home can make a big impact on the energy costs. Nearly half of all energy costs in your home are attributed to heating and cooling. Good insulation and properly sealed windows and doors can save up to 20% on your heating costs every year.

• Remove window air conditioners. Make sure windows seal tight where window units were this summer.  Because of the added weight, these window frames are more prone to potential damage.
• Schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection. Keeping your chimney and fireplace in good condition will help you avoid dangerous situations such as smoke and carbon monoxide settling in your home. Be sure the flue works correctly and there are no critters or bird's nests lingering in your chimney. A professional chimney sweep or  inspector can take a look and be sure your chimney is clean and ready to help heat your home this winter. 
• Replace furnace filter. This should be done at least every three months, but is extra  important in the winter to help cut down on dust and allergens in the air, as well as keep your furnace at peak performance.
• Have air ducts cleaned. Cleaned air ducts can improve efficiency and again, cut down on dust in the home.
• Consider an energy audit. Energy audits are performed by trained professionals who can give you a list of recommended improvements for your home. You can also do an at-home audit by yourself, by using the tools available at Energy.gov.
• Check fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors. You will want to check your fire extinguisher’s expiration date and change batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.  These are extra important when you start using your furnace and fireplace more frequently.
• Change the ceiling fan direction. A simple task, but easy to forget! You want your fan to create a draft upward that will redistribute warm air.
• Attic Ventilation. Make sure any vents in your attic are not blocked by insulation.  Blocking your attic vents can create ice dams on the roof! Make sure all vents are free of any leaves or blockage and double-check any rodent screens to keep pests out.

For Later On….

Some preparations for winter that you might not yet be ready to do! After all, it's important to enjoy the fall weather and continue to spend time outside before the real winter chill sets in.

• Bring in outdoor furniture. Moving outdoor furniture inside keeps it in top condition and makes outdoor clean up of snow and ice much easier.
• Consider having your home tested for radon. Radon levels can be toxic and should be checked by a professional.  When the weather cools off and windows stay shut more often as we move into winter, this is a good time to accurately check your home’s radon levels and address any problems.