Believe it or not, winter is just around the corner! With winter comes the cold temperatures and the possibility of snow and freezing temperatures. Is your home ready for the dark days and cold nights?
While we are shielded from the harsh winters here on the West Coast, you still need to prepare yourself, so we’ve compiled a quick checklist of the most important aspects of your home that you should be aware of before winter creeps in:
- Ensure that your heating system is working properly. Performing maintenance on your home furnace at least once a year should be on top you’re your “to do” list. Have a professional check your heating system and ensure that it is in good working order before you turn it on.
- Inspect and flush your hot water heater. Up to 25% of the energy you use in your home is for heating your water. Sediment buildup in the tank can reduce your water heater’s energy efficiency and also clog your water lines.
- Clear out the gutters. Clogged gutters block the drainage of rain and melting snow, resulting in household leaks and damage to the landscape and foundation. As fall sheds its last leaves, grab a ladder, garbage bag, some rubber gloves and dig in. Remove everything, from twigs to leaves to caked-on dirt. Check that the downpipes are clear of obstruction and then ensure the entire system is un-clogged and leak-free by running water through it.
- Weather strip the doors and seal the windows. Seal drafty windows to keep heat in and energy bills low by caulking the cracks. Sold in temporary or permanent form, caulking is inexpensive and easy to apply.
- Do you have a chimney? Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of creosote and then cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.
- Replace the batteries of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. If you did not do it when you set the clocks back, do it now. By being proactive, you’ll lower your energy bills, increase the efficiency and lifespan of your home’s components, and make your property safer!