Here are 20 essential tasks to get your home ready for winter:
- Schedule an annual inspection for your furnace and remember to change the air filters.
- Take a look at the insulation in your attic and crawlspaces to ensure your home stays warm and energy-efficient.
- Make sure your attic has proper ventilation, sufficient insulation, and a tight air barrier to prevent ice dams.
- Inspect the exterior of your home for small cracks or openings that could allow rodents in, and seal them off.
- Improve the energy efficiency of your windows by installing storm windows, applying weather stripping, and caulking.
- Have a professional inspect your chimney and fireplace to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Insulate pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and basements to prevent freezing.
- Winterize outdoor faucets, remove hoses, and drain any remaining water in the pipes.
- Check your snow shovels to ensure they are in good working condition.
- Make sure your snowblower is operating properly and get it tuned up if needed.
- Clean and store away outdoor furniture, garden decorations, and summer equipment.
- Secure any items that could be blown away in a storm and cause damage.
- Store firewood in a dry place at least 30 feet from your home to avoid fire hazards and pests.
- Visually inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles.
- Clean and inspect your gutters.
- Prepare to close your swimming pool for the winter.
- Check your hot tub for proper operation and water quality.
- Check your outdoor lights for proper operation and replace any blown-out light bulbs.
- Seal off any small cracks or openings in the exterior of your home that could allow rodents in.
- Install reflective driveway markers for better visibility during snowy conditions.
Our home watch services can help why you are away, call us to learn how.