As the weather starts to get colder, it is a sign to start winterizing you home. You want to have your home ready before the snow begins to fly. Regular ongoing home maintenance will help reduce the amount of preparation your home will require this time of year. Good home maintenance planning will help save you time and money. No two homes are identical, and every home maintenance checklist will vary slightly.
Keep Warm: Be sure your home is properly insulated and up to code. Give your home a good look over both internally and externally, check for any areas where heat can escape, add or replace weather stripping and caulking where necessary (if you add up all the small areas where heat can escape it would be the same as keeping a window open all winter long)
Heating: If you heating system is older then 15 years, it is probably time to replace it with a more efficient unit. Have your furnace inspected and tested annually (before it gets too cold). Clean or replace filters regularly (4-6 weeks). Clean vent covers, also keep furniture and drapery from covering them, restricted air flow will reduce the effectiveness of your heating system. Remember the more efficient you heating system is the more money you will save.
Roof: Look for missing or broken shingles, and check roof for any signs of sagging, it may be a sign of rotting sheathing. Check flashing and areas around chimney, vents, skylights, etc. for any sign of leaks. Clean gutters and down spouts from leaves and other debris. Look for any weaknesses in the gutters and down spouts, ensure all brackets and nails are securely in place. If water cannot drain properly especially when ice is melting water can seep back under the shingles causing a lot of damage.
Doors & Windows: Repair or replace any old or broken windows as well as window locks and/or latches. Make sure all windows open and shut properly (this is very important in case of fire). Consider replacing windows with energy efficient windows. Windows are often the biggest variable in heat loss. Remember when having new windows installed, don't cut corners, have a professional install them, if windows are not installed properly their effectiveness will be defeated.
Basement: Check basement wall and floors for dampness, also check foundation for cracks, have them repaired before more extensive damage occurs. If your basement is not finished, consider insulating your exterior walls, this will help keep heat and also help to reduce common moisture problems. If you have a sump pump make sure to test it to ensure it is in proper working order.
Faucets & Hoses: Check exterior faucets and hoses for leaks. Roll up hoses and store them in a dry place. Turn off water supply to exterior faucets before the first frost (shutoff valve is usually situated in the basement or crawl space near the exterior faucet). Shutting off exterior faucet is extremely important to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting open.
Holiday Lighting: Always install your lighting before the winter months to avoid slips and falls. Never put more than three strands of lights per electrical cord/outlet, overloading an outlet is a fire hazard.
Safety: Always have an emergency plan well thought out for all possible scenarios, also always keep extra water, canned food, blankets, flashlights, batteries, candles and matches on hand just in case. Make sure your house number is well lit and clearly readable from the street (incase of emergencies). Ensure all security alarms, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order, check and replace batteries twice a year (remember these items don't last forever, alarms and detectors should be replaced at least every 10 years). Trip circuit breakers and ground fault interrupters to insure proper protection. Make sure all entrances to your home are well lit (having them connected to motion and light detectors is always a good idea). Be sure to have snow shovels and other winter supplies on hand before the messy winter hits.
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