Take Aways
- Be prepared. Winter will be here before you know it.
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Protect yourself and your home.
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Save money by winterizing your home.
Fun Fact
- Changing the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors is an easy way to save your life.
As the leaves begin to change color and begin falling to the earth, we tend to realize that the summer has come to a close. Winter will bee here before you know it. Before the first flakes fly, take advantage of the wonderful weather to do those household winterizing chores.
When the weather gets cooler, we think ahead to grab that extra jacket for the kids to keep them warm, but do we remember to get our homes the extra protection they need to keep us warm and toasty this winter?
Take a few moments to assess your home. Are there any major repairs that are necessary? A problem with the roof, for example, will only worsen over the winter. The risk of increased damage may be high. Consider remedying the problem now.
Have your chimney inspected before lighting your first fire this year. Often, homeowners forget to check a chimney creating potential hazards.
It is always a good idea to have your furnace maintained in the fall. This simple step will help to ensure a warm winter. Both your family and your wallet will reap the advantages of this idea. Consider the thought that your heater quits in the middle of the night during the holidays. You will certainly pay a pretty penny for an emergency visit from the furnace repair man.
Window treatments, while discussing fall to do's, is not referring to purchasing new draperies. This tip means to take a good look at your windows and treat any problems now. If a window or two needs replaced, install it now. A drafty window will cost a great deal of money this winter in heating costs. Should your windows be in good condition, consider caulking any cracks around them. This inexpensive idea will save considerable cash.
With autumn, comes falling leaves. Remove the leaves and debris from your gutters on your home. Clogged gutters mean the water shed will be poor. The melting snow will have no way to run off, away from your home.
Insulate your home this fall. Adding some extra insulation to the attic can help reduce the higher heating costs. Add weather-stripping to doors and windows. Purchase a draft guard from your local Kmart or Wal-Mart for the bottom of your doors.
Protect your pipes by using the inexpensive foam covers. Allowing your dryer
To vent into your laundry room, instead of outside, will help to keep the pipes near the washer warmer, to reduce the risk of freezing. This tip will also help to heat your home.
Don't forget to get your yard ready for winter, too. Fertilize your lawn one more time this year. Plant your flower bulbs to enjoy beautiful flowers next spring. A bird feeder may be the perfect accent to your yard. Give the birds a snack this winter while watching the feathered friends.
Watch the clock. Turn your clock back an hour. This is also an excellent time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This easy step can save your life!
Don't stop there. Winterize your car, boat, or camper. Put on those new snow tires in plenty of time. Top off the fluids in your car. Don't forget to add the antifreeze. This is another cheap prevention method to avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Completing winterizing chores during the fall will save you valuable time and money all winter long.
