With the days getting colder we’re prepared to snuggle up in our favorite blanket with a hot drink. But before we can relax, there are some things we need to do to prepare our homes for winter. These tasks will keep your home and your family safe during the winter.
Get your fireplace cleaned and inspected
If your home has a fireplace, get it inspected and cleaned before you light it! A good chimney sweep will clean it of creosote to prevent fires and identify any maintenance problems. They will make sure the chimney is safe to use.
Check your heating and air system
Don’t get left in the cold! Get your heating and air system professionally inspected, and take the time to change your filters. Some contractors have annual inspection plans, so you don’t have to worry about missing an inspection.
Check your foundation for cracks and leaks
No one wants to deal with water issues in their home, let alone in the cold of winter. Check your foundation and basement for cracks and leaks; if you spot any, call a professional waterproofing company. They will inspect your home further and recommend any fixes.
Clean your gutters
Speaking of water, don’t let your gutters overflow! Clean your gutters of leaves and other debris to keep it from overflowing and allowing the water to infiltrate your foundation. This can lead to flooding!
Drain outside faucets
Now is the time to drain your outside faucets to prevent them from freezing. Frozen faucets and pipes can split and cause nasty leaks and, once again, flooding. If you have a sprinkler system, it may require a blowout to remove any water left behind.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
This winter, keep your home and family safe from fire and carbon monoxide by testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Fires occur most in the winter due to improper use of portable generators, old space heaters, candles, etc. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs when fuels, such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc., do not burn completely.