Brrr … Is Your Home Winter-Ready?

You just never know what type of winter we’ll face in the DC metro area – slammed with a major snowstorm or absolutely no need for that handy shovel you bought. No matter what, you and your home need to be prepared.  Even though it’s been a warm December so far, DC’s winters can surprise us in March! So don’t delay in winterizing your home right now. My tips and must-do’s will help protect your home and also make it more energy-efficient, both of which can save you money.You just never know what type of winter we’ll face in the DC metro area – slammed with a major snowstorm or absolutely no need for that handy shovel you bought. No matter what, you and your home need to be prepared.Even though it’s been a warm December so far, DC’s winters can surprise us in March! So don’t delay in winterizing your home right now. My tips and must-do’s will help protect your home and also make it more energy-efficient, both of which can save you money.Doors, Windows & AtticThese tasks can be simple DIY projects that can keep your home toasty and warm without having to crank up the heat. If you have an older, drafty home, this is a definite for you.

• Add or replace weather-stripping around doors and windows to keep out drafts.
• Caulk around windows where cold airs gets in.
• Switch out summer screens and install storm windows if you have them.
• Get a good storm door for your entrance.
• Consider getting plastic shields to protect basement window wells.
• Switch to heavier curtains or shades during the wintertime to help keep rooms warm.
• Insulate your attic and look at the benefits of cellulose insulation over fiberglass.

ChimneyBefore you sit by the fire with that glass of wine, you’ll want to double check our list below. You don’t want to have any nasty surprises or create a fire hazard.

• Hire a professional to inspect and clean your chimney.
• Close the damper when not in use, but don’t forget to open it before lighting a fire.
• Cap or screen the top to keep out rodents and birds seeking refuge.
• Buy firewood but store if away from the exterior of your home. Many creatures like to make woodpiles their winter home.

Furnace, Ducts & AC UnitsNo one wants to wake up Christmas morning with no heat or get a frosty welcome home when returning from a holiday trip. Do these NOW so you can enjoy the holidays or head out of town.

• Hire a HVAC professional to inspect and clean your furnace. Better yet, have a contract with a company that you can contact in case of an emergency outage, so that they’ll respond more quickly since you’re a dedicated customer.
• Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly. Can’t make it to Home Depot or Costco, you can order these online to be delivered to your door!
• Drain air conditioning pipes and turn off its shut-off valve if you have one.
• Hire a professional to inspect ducts for leaks in their joints; and have them cleaned if necessary.
• Ducts in cold spaces such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces should be insulated.
• Remove and store window AC units.

ThermostatThese are easy tips you can implement yourself but can go a long way in saving energy and convenience.

• Buy a programmable thermostat that allows you to set temperatures lower when you’re not at home or sleeping. There are so many smart technology options out there when it comes to thermostats so shop around.
• To prevent pipes from bursting, never set your thermostat below 55 degrees.

Outdoor/Home ExteriorThe outside of your home is where harsh winter storms and cold weather can do damage. Get these outside tasks done before the frigid weather hits.

• Clean out gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris. Water can freeze causing them to detach from your home. This can also cause major water damage to your home!
• Trim tree branches that hang too close to your home or electrical wires to avoid causing power outages.
• Drain garden hoses and store them inside.
• Drain outdoor faucets and winterize in-ground watering systems before the winter so you don’t get burst pipes inside your walls. You plumber can show you how.
• Cover outdoor furniture or store it inside. Do the same with sensitive potted plants.
• Seal foundation cracks to prevent mice sneaking in.

Power Failures & Severe WeatherWhen storms with snow or ice hit the DC area, many neighborhoods lose power. Be ready with these tips.

• Store flashlights, first-aid kit, extra batteries in easy-to-reach (and remember!) locations.
• Make sure you cell phone is charged if a storm is forecasted.
• Keep extra water bottles, nonperishable food (for babies and pets too!), blankets and necessary medications on hand.
• Check that you have a working shovel and bags of ice-melt (pet friendly brands!) or sand so you’re ready for snow and ice.
• Consider getting a generator if your home or neighborhood loses power more often. It could be worth the money and might be needed if you have small children. Place the generator at least 20 feet from your house.
• Find the phone numbers and website of your utility companies.

Fire/CO SafetyMake sure your home doesn’t have any unsuspecting hazards. We’ve already mentioned cleaning your chimney, getting your heating units inspected but there are other steps to include on your list.

• Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly.
• Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
• Install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas, which causes headaches, nausea, and disorientation. Check batteries monthly.
• Be careful with space heaters. Make sure you don’t leave them on and don’t use extension cords.
• Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage.
• Do not heat your home with a gas range or oven
• Never run a car or truck inside an attached garage

We’ve created a handy PDF list of all of our tips so you can access this list from your smart phone or print it out. Enjoy a safe, fun and cozy winter in your home!