Winter is Coming, Is your Home Prepared?

Preparing your home for winter is an important annual ritual for homeowners. The following winter maintenance tips can help you prepare your home to withstand another cold season.

Your Heating System

Before you give your heating system a workout this winter, take the time for preventive maintenance. It may help extend the life of your system and identify potential problems.

• Have your furnace or boiler checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year, preferably before the heating season begins (so yes, ideally before the snow arrives).
• Clean or replace the furnace filter on forced hot air systems.
• Have your chimney checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year & if applicable take care in maintaining your wood-burning/pellet stoves.
• Have your fuel tanks filled and keep an eye on levels throughout the winter.
• Set your heat no lower than 55 degrees and be sure heat is distributed throughout the house to avoid any freezing to pipes.

Your Insulation

Is your insulation prepared to protect you from the cold? As a defense from winter’s gusty winds and freezing temperatures, it is worth taking time to inspect and upgrade insulation and weather stripping before the season starts.

• Add extra insulation in the attic to help guard against ice dams. If too much heat escapes into the attic, it can warm the ice and snow on the roof. When it refreezes, it can cause an ice dam, which can lead to water damage inside your home or possibly even a roof collapse.
• Add weather stripping around doors and caulk windows to guard against drafts and heat loss.
• Remove screens from windows and install storm windows, if appropriate.

Your Utilities

Freezing temperatures can be especially damaging to your home’s water piping. Make sure your pipes are adequately prepared to withstand a cold snap and remember to take extra precautions if you are going to be leaving your home, including shutting off your water.

• Check for water leaks and fix problems immediately.
• Learn how to shut off your water and know where your pipes are located in case they do freeze; you may be able to prevent water damage.

Your Winter Safety Measures

As you prepare for winter, you might also take these tips into consideration:

• Trim trees and remove dead branches so they do not damage your home or injure someone if they fall because of ice, snow, or wind.
• Keep gutters clear of leaves, sticks and other debris to help ensure melting snow can drain properly. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Repair steps and handrails to make them safer in the ice and snow.
• Check smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries to ensure they are operating properly.

Your Key Supplies and Equipment

The first storm of the year can come sooner than you think (It is not unheard of to encounter storms come Thanksgiving Day!). Stock up early and get key equipment, like snow blowers and generators before you need them, so you can be prepared to enjoy what the season has to offer.

• Make sure you have snow shovels and a roof rake on hand. Stock your ice melting supply to melt ice on walkways.
• Have your snow blower and generator serviced and any necessary repairs made.
• Keep fuel for snow blowers and generators in approved safety containers and away from heat or flame-producing devices. Do not store fuel in your basement.

When it comes to winter, preparation is key to enjoying the cold months ahead!