As Summer fades into memory and cooler nights descend upon us, it is only a matter of time before the chill sets in. It is not uncommon to hear people discuss ‘winterizing’ their vehicles, but few people talk about winterizing their significantly more valuable homes. Let’s take a look at a few things you can do to get your house ready for chilly nights.
Outside
Check those faucets – Forgetting to shut off outside water sources can lead to burst pipes. Shut off the valves and then drain and store your hoses. This quick and easy process can save you in the long run.
Cover up – Outside furniture and appliances, particularly grills, should be covered up to prevent snow or frost from eating away at them over the cold months. Don’t forget to cover the air conditioning unit as well, you won’t be needing it.
Clean the gutters – Between rain in the fall and snow in the winter, you’ll have buildup on your roof that will need somewhere to drain. A clogged gutter can be a real pain when it’s freezing out, so clear it out early and avoid the hassle.
Garage and Shed
There are a wide variety of tools and equipment that you won’t be needing over the cold months. Packing and storing these materials will help you keep them in good working order.
Rakes and Shovels – Wash and store these away. Smaller tools can be placed in a bucket containing a sand/mineral oil mixture, keeping the moisture at bay.
Garage Door – Fix weather stripping around the edges to keep moisture and cold air from passing into the garage.
Gas Mower – Clean grass and debris from beneath the mower and then sharpen the blades. Afterward, run the engine until all remaining gas is depleted. This will help protect your engine from corrosion.
Inside
Fixing up the inside of the house to keep it warm and comfortable is perhaps the most important of these categories. Nothing fights a cold winter better than a nice cozy home to wait it out.
Weatherstripping – This simple material is your number one weapon in fighting off the cold. Proper stripping can keep drafts at bay.
Energy-efficient windows – It’s hard to fight the cold with climbing utility costs. Energy-efficient windows can help keep the electric bill down.
Change furnace filter – Changing the filter every month during the winter season will ensure optimal efficiency for your heating system and will help to prevent breakdowns or problems from arising.
Fireplace clean-up – If you have a fireplace, cleaning it occasionally will help prevent the buildup of nasty carbon residue that can make a mess. Every few years it may be worthwhile to hire a chimney-sweep to run the full gamut.
If you follow the suggestions listed above, you will have prepared your home to last through the toughest months of the year. After that, you can take the peace of mind you’ve earned and go have some fun in the cold! If you’d like some more information on Noah Construction & Builders, reach out to us today at 631-750-2837!
