The cooler weather of Fall is a signal to begin the process of preparing your home for the cold winter months.
What should you be doing to prepare? So glad you asked. These are not in any particular order.
1. Tune up your heating system - Your technician will ensure the system is working efficiently AND will check to make sure there is no carbon monoxide leakage into your space
2. Reverse your ceiling fans - I hadn't really thought about this, but, by running your ceiling fan in a clockwise direction (if you can) it will push the heated air down into the room, according to Energy Star
3. Check your roof - ensure you have no missing shingles and all your flashing is intact.
4. Check your windows & doors - caulk them if necessary to prevent air seepage into the living space
5. Clean your gutters - I had a gutter guard system installed so I don't have to climb up and clean out gutters. Clean gutters prevent water backup and roof damage.
6. Turn off exterior water spigots - undrained water can freeze and cause pipes to burst. So, disconnect your garden hoses and drain the spigot.
7. Prepare your lawnmower for storage - I drain the fuel from the tank so it doesn't "varnish" the carburetor.
8. Have your chimney inspected - If you burn wood call your chimney sweep to inspect the flue to ensure there is no Creosote build-up that could cause a chimney fire.
9. Check your snowblower for proper operation - Fill with gas, check oil, check shear pins, and start it up.
10. Stock up - Now is the time to buy ice melt, replace snow shovels, gloves, hats, get out the winter jackets, batteries, candles, and other emergency supplies.
These are not the only things to do but it will get you on your way to make it through the winter season.
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