Preparing your home for winter
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If your home has a crawl space, close the foundation vents. This can save energy |
and help keep pipes from freezing.
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Irrigation systems, whether above or below ground, should be "blown out" to remove |
water from the system. Water at 32 degrees Fahrenheit actually expands,
which can cause pipes to burst.
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If you leave your home for en extended period of time, do not shut off your heat. Turning |
it down is o.k., but shutting it off will vastly increase the chances of pipes freezing
and bursting.
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Take extra care to insulate water pipes in attics, crawlspaces and exterior walls, because |
these pipes can be quicker to freeze than more interior pipes.
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Disconnect hoses from exterior water hose bibs. |
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Inspect all outside lighting and fixtures. If one or more are bad, replace them. Remember |
that winter nights last a lot longer than summer nights, and exterior lighting is
extra important during these months.
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If your exterior lights are on timers, make sure that the timers are working |
correctly and are set to the right time.
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Clean and install storm windows if your home has them. |
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Clean and repair your gutters. |
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Check your roof for any leaks or weak spots. If any are detected, have them repaired. |
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Inspect plumbing pipes in your crawl space, attic and/or garage. Repair any leaks and |
insulate exposed hot and cold water pipes.
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Have your furnace and, if you have one, your central humidifier, cleaned and serviced. |
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If your home has a fireplace or a wood burning stove, have the flue cleaned to remove any |
creosote build-up, which can be a fire hazard.
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If you have a heat pump, ensure that the outdoor unit has adequate air flow. |
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If your home has baseboard heaters, make sure that no flammable objects are inside or |
near them.
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Make sure that you have enough shovels and winter gloves. If you own a snow blower, |
make sure that it is gassed up and is in operating condition.
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