With our first freeze behind us it is time to start getting your house ready for winter. Here are a few things you can do so you can be prepared for the upcoming freezing temperatures.
Inspect the exterior, doors and windows of your home
– Look for cracks and exposed entry points – seal them
– Place weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering your home.
– Check the windows around your home for obvious drafts and caulk where needed.
– Unplug your hoses and place covers over your spigots
– If you have a sprinkler system be sure to drain it
– Make sure the hot water pressure relief valve exterior output for your hot water tank is clear from obstructions. It can be prone to freezing and if it freezes the valve will fail and the tank will leak inside your home.
Inspect your roof, gutters and downspouts
– Clean out your gutters – use a hose and run water down your downspouts to clear away any debris.
– Replace any worn roof tiles or shingles
– Inspect flashing to ensure water cannot enter your home.
Be sure your furnace is ready for winter
– Change the filter – stock up on them – most filters need to be changed anywhere between 1 and 6 months. Check your service manual to confirm how often yours needs to be changed.
– Remove flammable material from around your furnace.
– Have your furnace inspected and serviced if it is time to do so.
– If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.
There are many more things that can be done to prepare for the winter chill. These few tips are a great place to start. Don’t forget to test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.