Winter is Coming!
10 easy steps for winterizing your home
- Do you know where your home’s water supply shutoff valve is located? If you’re away from home for extended periods during the winter turn your water supply to OFF to avoid freezing water lines.
- Similarly, the water supply for irrigation should be shut off during winter months. Wrap deciduous trees like Aspens in the late Fall to prevent snow damage.
- Check that your home’s gutters and drip and infiltration trenches are clear of dirt and debris and functioning properly.
- Contract a professional chimney sweep to clear your chimney and fireplace every Fall.
- Service forced air heaters and change air filters on an annual basis.
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- Close all foundation vents to prevent cold air vectors and check for signs of wildlife nesting.
- Check exposed fasteners on metal roofs to ensure they’re properly seated…if you have a composite shingle roof check for loose or missing shingles, especially in valleys or pitch breaks where snow and ice can accelerate wear.
- Check roofs for signs of ice dams and/or water intrusion.
9. Ensure that carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors are functional and replace batteries in battery-powered alarms as needed.
10. Consider purchasing or installing an auxiliary power source for use during power outages. A Honda i2000 inverter is a highly reliable and cost effective option for powering lights, freezers and refrigerators.
