Thinking about snow and ice is not the most pleasant thought for many of us but, by preparing our homes for it now, before temperatures fall too low, we will make sure we stay warm and cozy indoors this winter. What are some ways we can winterize our property now and get it ready for the cold?
Because we don’t usually need to turn on the heat during summer months now is a good time to test the home's heating system to make sure it’s working correctly. An easy way to check this is by turning the thermostat up and see how long the system takes to respond. If you notice it taking a long time, it may need to be serviced. Now is also a good time to change air filters and, if you use oil or propane to heat the home, have the tank filled. Chimneys and fireplaces should be inspected to make sure they are functioning properly and don’t pose a danger to the home’s occupants.
Freezing temperatures can play havoc on the home's plumbing system by causing pipes to freeze and burst. Any pipes that are in unheated areas of the home such as the attic and crawlspace, etc. should be covered in foam or fiberglass insulation to protect them against the cold. It is also important to maintain the temperature of the home at a high enough level so that pipes in these areas do not freeze.
Yard work is something we spend a lot of time doing during the fall months. Make sure to include gutter cleaning on your list of jobs. If debris is left in gutters during winter it can freeze and weigh down guttering, causing damage. To prevent cracks forming in the sprinkler system, drain it of all water and air. Protect any outdoor furniture you have by either storing it in a dry place or placing a good cover on it.
As we can see from these simple suggestions, now is the best time to prepare and maintain your home during the long winter months.
Because we don’t usually need to turn on the heat during summer months now is a good time to test the home's heating system to make sure it’s working correctly. An easy way to check this is by turning the thermostat up and see how long the system takes to respond. If you notice it taking a long time, it may need to be serviced. Now is also a good time to change air filters and, if you use oil or propane to heat the home, have the tank filled. Chimneys and fireplaces should be inspected to make sure they are functioning properly and don’t pose a danger to the home’s occupants.
Freezing temperatures can play havoc on the home's plumbing system by causing pipes to freeze and burst. Any pipes that are in unheated areas of the home such as the attic and crawlspace, etc. should be covered in foam or fiberglass insulation to protect them against the cold. It is also important to maintain the temperature of the home at a high enough level so that pipes in these areas do not freeze.
Yard work is something we spend a lot of time doing during the fall months. Make sure to include gutter cleaning on your list of jobs. If debris is left in gutters during winter it can freeze and weigh down guttering, causing damage. To prevent cracks forming in the sprinkler system, drain it of all water and air. Protect any outdoor furniture you have by either storing it in a dry place or placing a good cover on it.
As we can see from these simple suggestions, now is the best time to prepare and maintain your home during the long winter months.
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