1. Clear Your Gutters!
-Inspect your gutters and clear them of any and all obstructions. Also, make sure they are sturdy and secured to your home. Cover your gutters with a mesh guard to prevent water from seeping into your home's exterior foundation walls. If you can, also add extensions to your downspouts to divert water away from your home.
2. Check the Cracks!
-Make sure to seal all gaps and cracks around windows and doors to better insulate your home. Use weather stripping and caulk. This can save significantly on your home heating bill!
3. Put up the Storm Windows!
-It's time to take down all window/door screens and replace them with storm windows. This also helps with home insulation.
4. Climb the Roof!
-Inspect your roof for damage; make sure your shingles are in good condition and no that no rooftop vents are leaking.
5. Walk Your Walk!
-Repair any damaged walkways, the cold temperatures of winter can produce cracks and expand existing ones. This includes your driveway as well.
6. Freshen Your Furnace!
-Have a professional inspect your furnace. Make sure to clean or replace any dirty filters. Also examine your thermostat to make sure it gives a proper reading.
7. Sweep the Fireplace!
-Examine your fireplace or stove to make sure there is no soot build-up. If necessary, call a chimney sweeper. Also make sure no animals have decided to call your fireplace home (especially birds)!
8. Energize the Alarms!
-Stick with the usual daylight savings schedule, make sure all home smoke detectors, CO monitors, and fire extinguishers are all in working order. Replace the batteries.
9. Don't Forget the Faucets!
-If you live in an area with freezing weather, make sure to close any shut-off valve that serves outdoor faucets and irrigation systems. The last thing you need if for your water systems to burst!
10. Drain your Water Heater!
-A fresh pool of water can drastically improve your water heater's performance during the winter. Also, make sure to clear any obstructions that may have formed in the tank.
BONUS TIPS
1. Mulch Your Leaves
-Instead of raking the leaves off your lawn, use your lawn mower's mulcher setting and mow your lawn. The decomposed leaves will nourish your lawn over the Winter, which will help with a healthy lawn come springtime.
2. Bring Out The Winter Gear!
-This may seem like common sense, but you want to make sure you have your winter gear prepared ahead of time! Go locate your shovels, snow brushes, and snow blowers. Hey, you may even find that winter jacket you have been trying to locate for years!
