While this fall has been mild and enjoyable for the most
part, winter is right around the corner, and with it a number of problems that
can plague home owners who are not prepared for it. To help you get ready for
all of the ice, snow, and possible headaches on the way this winter in Ohio, here’s
some ideas on weather-proofing your home this season.
Top to Bottom Cleaning
Fall and Spring are prime times to give your house a once
over, and you’ll be glad you did when that cold weather hits. This is a great
time to turn over your mattress and wash every little bit of bedding you own;
think of how nice that will be when you’re all snuggled up in it come December
or January. A lot of people take this time to have their carpets professionally
cleaned, so that all of that residue left over from the summer months is up and
out of your house. Something else you should consider vacuuming is your window
treatments, drapes, or any upholstered furniture that could be collecting dust
or allergens from when you had the windows open a few months before. The
windows themselves could also probably use a good solid cleaning as well, with
special attention to the inside sills as well. Lastly, check out what’s going
on behind your refrigerator; condenser coils can collect a ton of dust, and
you’ll want to check for any potential leaking depending on your model.
Access your Mess
One of the best things you can do as a home owner is to be
aware of just what is going on in every room and corner of your house. This is
a great time to simply walk your property and access what is going on, or what
could become a problem in the coming months. A good place to start is in your
attic or basement, where insufficient insulating or sealing can cost you tons
of money during the winter. A lot of home owners can take advantage of
weatherization rebates for insulating their house, so it might be a good idea
to look into it for your attic. Houses can lose a huge percent of their heat
through poorly insulated attics and top floors, so make sure you’re covered
before you’re stuck with a huge heating bill. Basements need to have the rim
joist area air-sealed at the bare minimum to prevent heat loss.
Another important area to check that is often overlooked are
the baseboards of your home, which can present signs of water damage and be an
entry point for nasty critters looking for a place to stay in the winter months;
making sure these areas are properly sealed will save you a lot of potential
stress. Obviously you’ll also want to check all doors and windows for potential
drafts that you can weather strip as well. While you’re at it, also check on
your washing machine hoses for bulges or cracks, and make sure your dryer
exhaust tube is in working order. You’ll also want to take a peek at the dryer
vent too; make sure there is no excess lint, debris, or even old bird’s nests
stuck in there. Last but definitely not least, check those fire and carbon
monoxide detectors and make sure their batteries work. If you don’t have one or
the other installed in your home, drop what you’re doing RIGHT NOW and get one!
Fall can be a dangerous time for both home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Great Outdoors
Although your actual house will be your main concern come
winter, don’t overlook your yard and surrounding property. Now is the time to
gather up any summer furniture or equipment and get it inside or into storage
to prevent damage from ice and precipitation. You’ll also want to drain and
store any garden hoses, install insulating on exterior spigots, and blow any
water out of your sprinkler systems to prevent freezing. All lawn equipment that relies on gas
should be drained before being stored for the winter as well.
The number one home maintenance project undertaken during
the fall is the annual cleaning of the gutters and for good reason too. Clogged
up gutters can lead to standing water, which will freeze during the winter and
cause substantial damage to your roof, or even ruin it altogether. Make sure
that it is clear of all leaves and debris before it gets too cold. While you’re
up there, it might also be a good idea to replace any worn tiles or shingles
you find. To further protect your roof or any power lines in the area, prune
back any tree limbs that seem too close. Branches can get overloaded with snow
and ice and collapse under the weight, causing major damage to whatever happens
to be beneath them. And finally, make sure all driveways, brick patios, and
decks are sealed and weather prepped.
Hot & Cold
Now that everything else has been taken care of, it’s time
to get down to the nitty gritty: your heating system. No matter what kind of
system you rely on (furnace, wood stove, boiler, heat pump, ect.) it’s a good
idea to have it completely serviced. If you do have a furnace, now is the time
to change the filter for the season and make sure you have some replacements on
hand. For homes with fireplaces, you’ll want to check up on it and see how the
flue is doing. If it’s wood burning, you might want to clean it as well. While
you’re checking your roof and gutters, check out the chimney and see if it’s
sustained any damage in the previous year. Another good idea is installing a
cap or a screen at the top of the chimney for the season. While we’re worrying
about the heating system, don’t neglect your cooling system; have the air ducts
cleaned as well. You may also want to cover your air conditioning unit to
protect from ice and snow. Taking these steps now will ensure your air cooling
system will be ready to go when spring rolls around in a few months.
These tips are a great start to preparing your home for the
winter weather that’s sure to hit in the coming weeks, but remember that you
know your house better than anyone, and will probably have even more ideas to
making the most of December, January, and February. Trust your instincts; if you
think something might not make it through the winter, fix or replace it now to
avoid distress later. You’ll be glad when you’re bundled up, safe and cozy with
your family at home.
