Get Your Home Ready for Winter – My January To-Do’s
Start off 2017 with a resolution to take better care of your home. I can make it much easier for you with my helpful series, “Your Home’s To-Do List.” My series will spotlight what tasks you should tackle at certain times of the year to make sure your home is well-maintained. Remember, that a well-cared for home is more likely to retain its value and avoid costly disasters.
Start off 2017 with a resolution to take better care of your home. I can make it much easier for you with my helpful series, “Your Home’s To-Do List.”My series will spotlight what tasks you should tackle at certain times of the year to make sure your home is well-maintained. Remember, that a well-cared for home is more likely to retain its value and avoid costly disasters.In addition to my basic maintenance reminders, I also suggest ways you can “Dwell” happily in your home!Even though it was a warm December, the DC metro area can be hit with a big chill even in March! Don’t delay in winterizing your home right now if you haven’t already.My tips, including some DIY projects, will keep you and your home all set for the next winter snowfall or one of our legendary ice storms. And, don’t forget, by making your home more energy-efficient, you can save 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, you’ll want to double check my 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.
- Consider getting a gas fireplace if you have a gas line. They look much more realistic than ever and are easy to switch on and off.
Furnace, Ducts & AC UnitsNo one wants to wake up in a bitter cold home. Do these now so you can relax over the winter months or head out of town with no worry about freezing pipes.
- 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 a local store or buy bulk at 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 easy tasks 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 right now before frigid weather hits.
- With leaves coming down later into December, take the time now to make sure gutters and downspouts are cleaned out thoroughly. 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 so you don’t get burst pipes inside your walls. Your 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.
- Sometimes eco-friendly composite decks and stairs can be more slick and hazardous when ice forms. Be careful since it might not be obvious!
Power Failures & Severe WeatherWhen storms hit the DC metro area, many neighborhoods lose power. Be ready with these tips.
- Store flashlights, a first-aid kit, and extra batteries in easy-to-reach locations. Consider getting some battery-operated candles instead of real candles to prevent any fire risk.
- Make sure your 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. Post it somewhere for easy access.
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.
- 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.
I hope you’ve found my tips a helpful way to enjoy a safe, cozy, and happy 2017 winter!