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When seconds count, make sure we can find you! Getting Ready for a Cold Wet Winter
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- Created on Tuesday, 01 November 2011 13:28
The weather experts are warning of a colder and wetter than average winter for us. We have already begun making prepartions to ensure that we are able to respond when the weather turns and does its worst. Its time for you take the opportunity to ensure that your home and family are ready as well. We have compiled a list of items that will guide you in winterizing your home.
Here's your annual checklist of things to do to get your home ready for the change of season.
Check smoke detectors
Don't neglect that smoke detector any longer! Take some time right now to check the operation of detectors, and to change the batteries. If you have an older house with a limited number of smoke detectors, install additional ones at each sleeping room, and make sure there is one centrally located on each level of the home as well.
Install a carbon-monoxide detector
As houses get closed up for winter, the chances of carbon-monoxide poisoning from malfunctioning gas appliances increases substantially. If you have a furnace, fireplace, water heater or other appliance that's fueled by propane or natural gas, or if you have an attached garage, install a carbon-monoxide detector. They're available inexpensively from many home centers and other retailers, and offer easy, plug-in installation.
Service your heating system
Perform a complete system check of your furnace annually,
either by yourself or by a trained furnace technician. Check for worn belts, lubrication needs or other servicing that might be required; refer to your owner's manual for specific suggestions, and follow any manufacturer safety instructions for shutting the power and fuel to the furnace before servicing. Check the condition of duct joints and insulation, and of course change the filter.
Get the Fireplace Ready
Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.
If the chimney hasn't been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.
Buy firewood or chop wood. Store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.
Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing.
Check the mortar between bricks and tuckpoint, if necessary.
Exterior Concerns
Fall is a great time to look at the grade around your home, and make sure that everything slopes away from your foundation to avoid costly problems with groundwater. Add, remove or adjust soil grades as necessary for good drainage.
Prevent Plumbing Freezes
Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
Drain all garden hoses.
Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.
Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off.
If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.
Trim trees
Trees that are overhanging your home can be a real hazard. They can deposit debris on your roof, scrape against shingles during wind storms and, worst of all, snap off with potentially devastating results. Have a professional tree-trimming service inspect the condition of overhanging tree limbs, and safely cut them back as needed.
Check the gutters
Clear the gutters of leaf and pine-needle debris, and check that the opening between the gutter and the downspout is unobstructed. Look for loose joints or other structural problems with the system, and repair them as needed using pop rivets. Use a gutter sealant to seal any connections where leaks may be occurring.
Break out the caulk
A few hours and a few tubes of caulking can make a big difference in both your heating bills and your comfort levels this winter. Caulk around windows, doors, pipes, exterior electrical outlets, and any other exterior penetrations where cold air might enter. Use a good grade of acrylic latex caulk, either in a paintable white or, if you don't want to paint, use clear.
Drain sprinkler systems
In colder areas, now is the time to be thinking about having your sprinkler and irrigation systems blown out. You can rent a compressor and do this yourself, or contact a landscape or irrigation-system installer and have them handle this for you. This is also the time to shut off outdoor faucets and install freeze-proof faucet covers.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
- Buy indoor candles and matches / lighter for use during a power shortage.
- Find the phone numbers for your utility companies and tape them near your phone or inside the phone book.
- Buy a battery back-up to protect your computer and sensitive electronic equipment.
- Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food, if you have a pet), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location.
- Prepare an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.
