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15 Easy Things To Do To Get Your House Winter Ready
It’s that time of year again! The temperature is making its way into the single digits. The days are getting shorter, the leaves have fallen. Here are 15 easy things to do before the winter freeze:
Seal around windows and doors to prevent any wind or water penetration. Caulk drafty windows and replace the weatherstripping around doors.
Turn off the outdoor faucet at the inside source and invest in a Styrofoam Faucet Protector (cost about $5.00) to lessen the effects of freezing weather on your outside tap.
Clean out the eavestrough so that melted snow and rain water that flows off the roof does not freeze in the trough and cause an ice dam.
Have your roof checked for loosened or missing shingles. If you need assistance finding a roofer we’re glad to help.
Fill any cracks on driveways, walkways and exterior stairs to prevent further damage from the freeze-thaw cycle.
Replace the furnace filter. According to Bob Vila (bobvila.com) your filter should be changed or cleaned (if you have a permanent filter) every 90 days.
Check all the smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Smoke detector batteries may need to be switched and the smoke detectors need to be tested periodically. Fire extinguishers need to be tested annually. Fall is a good time to test fire extinguishers since we are going into the holiday season with all those lights, decorations, candles, etc.
Check your carbon monoxide detector. Check the replacement date as well. Typically CO monitors need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years.
Have the fireplace professionally cleaned. Fireplace cleaning should be done once per year.
Paint the interior of your home. A fresh coat of paint before the start of winter will do wonders to refresh and spruce up your home before the start of the holiday season. Should you require assistance with finding a great painting crew, feel free to reach out to us.
Have the grout in your washroom and kitchen cleaned. A quick and thorough cleaning of the grout usually takes about one day, yet the results feel refreshing. Our grout cleaner Jose does a fantastic job!
If you had ice damming on your roof last winter, add attic insulation and ventilation to keep the roof cold. A warm roof melts snow, which then becomes ice in the eavestrough and blocks it. This process then causes water to seep under the shingles and into the house.
Ensure your A/C is wrapped. Water may get into it and freeze damaging the fins. Blow out the leaves before wrapping it.
Ensure that the bathroom and kitchen exhaust system is cleaned. Make sure that they actually vent to the outside rather than the attic. If they vent to the attic it can lead to mold issues.
Ensure your humidifier is working properly. Dry indoor air can be uncomfortable. A properly working humidifier makes your home feel warmer.
These are some quick things that can be done before the winter season starts.