How To Winterize Your Long Island Home
Yes, it's that time of year again my lovely readers. Fall is here but before you know it, the temperatures will begin to drop. It's time for you to work on winterizing your Long Island home before the cold weather sets in.
Below are some tips to help you get started:
Exterior - Chimney
- Inspect chimney cap. If missing or damaged, replace it. You don't want little critters making a home in your chimney.
- Have your chimney swept. Especially if you haven't done so in a long while.
- Inspect brickwork on the chimney.
Exterior - Windows & Doors
- Replace cracked windows.
- Caulk around windows if the present caulk has worn or is missing.
- Take screens out and replace them with the storm windows.
- Check vinyl siding. If some are missing try to replace.
Exterior - HVAC System
- Cover the outside unit. You can get covers from Home Depot or Lowe's. This does help with drafts.
Exterior - Roof
- Always a good idea to check for loose and missing shingles. Easy to replace. We all know the effects the strong winds on Long Island can have during the Winter!
Interior - Heating System
- Have a professional inspect and maintain your heating system & water heater. If something needs to be replaced, do it now.
- Now is a good time to get a water heater blanket. Inexpensive and it really helps your water heater unit to be more cost effective.
- If you have a HVAC system, buy more filters and change them every 3 months. Check on them monthly just in case you may have to change them sooner.
Interior - Closet & Utility Doors/Windows
- Install draft protectors that go under the bottom of the door. Especially the door to the basement and utility rooms.
- Keep blinds/window treatments closed at night. This will help with drafts.
- If you have older windows, consider sealing them with a plastic covering kit. This is where you use your blow dryer to shrink it. I remember years ago renting an apartment and I had to do that. it made a world of difference!
Interior - Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Here in the Town of Babylon, there has to be 1 smoke detector in every bedroom and in the hallway where the bedrooms are. Also, there has to be a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of the home. Law or not, this is always a good idea! And this includes the basement.
- Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries or replace the unit(s) if they are not working at all.
Automobile Must Haves!
- Shovel - just in case you are in a snow bank or that slushy snow you can't get out of.
- Cardboard - this is great to have to place under your tire to give you more traction.
- Sand - again, great for traction.
- Rock Salt - if you are stuck on ice, this is a great way to melt the ice around and under your tires.
- Flashlight - you need to see what you are doing in case you are stuck.
- Blankets - heaven forbid you are stranded for a long period of time, make sure you have a few heavy blankets on hand.
- Bottled Water - never a good idea to have no water if you are stranded. Keep the small bottles on hand. If you get stuck they take less time to melt if they are frozen.
- Spare Tire - check to make sure your spare is not flat or worn.
- Ice Scrapers - have a few in your trunk just in case one breaks.
- Spare Winshield Wipers - make sure they are the heavy duty winter wipers.
- Portable Radio - make sure the batteries are working.
Thank you for stopping by and enjoy your week!
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