Preparing Your Home for Winter

With the temperatures dropping fast it is important to start preparing your home for the cold weather.  Home maintenance and repairs should be done year round as needed but there are some things you should inspect in fall to insure that your home is ready for winter.

When inspecting around your home there are generally eight areas that you should check. These include the foundation, basement and yard, roof, exterior walls, windows and doors, interior surfaces, electrical systems, heating and cooling systems, plumbing and safety issues.

As you inspect the foundation of your house, look for signs of water damage and cracks. Check to make sure that water is draining away from the foundation and if your home has an underground drainage system, be sure that it is working properly.

Check the roof for loose or missing shingles and make any needed repairs. Otherwise, snow or wind may cause further damage to the roof. Clean out the gutters to remove dead leaves and debris.  This will allow water to flow easily through the drain system. Examine the chimney to be sure it is secure and there are no loose bricks or mortar. Hire a chimney sweep to remove any buildup from your chimney, hearth and firebox. This should be done annually if you use your fireplace a lot. Otherwise, creosote buildup will create a fire hazard.

Prepare your yard by raking leaves and pruning your trees and shrubs.  Don’t leave your patio and lawn furniture outside.  Move them into the basement or garage to prevent damage from the winter weather. When the temperatures drop below freezing you will also need to shut off your sprinkler and other outside water systems.  Store garden hoses in the garage or basement with tools that you will not need during the winter months.

Inspect the basement area for any cracks in the walls or floor. Repair any cracks or openings to make it water-tight and prevent water damage. Inspect, too, for small openings and cracks in joints or seams in the framework of the house, the attic, and crawl space. Pay special attention to cracks around doors and windows. Cold winter air can enter your home through these cracks and openings. Caulk and weather strip these areas to save energy and add comfort during the winter months.  The weather stripping around your doors not only prevents cold air from coming into your home but will also keep out insects and pests that could otherwise invade your home.  Fall is the best time to do insulating. 

Fall and winter temperatures usually cause heat bills to increase.  Be sure to check your heating system including filters, pilot lights and burners. Finding a professional to clean and service your heating system in the fall can save you money by preventing problems that may arise later in the winter months.  You may also want to vacuum the dust from your heating vents, baseboards and cold-air return vents.  Indoor pollutants from this dust buildup can cause illness during the cold weather.

Take a closer look at your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Test each one and replace batteries. If your home has a gas furnace or water heater, gas or kerosene space heater, fireplace or wood burning stove you will want to have properly functioning detectors in these areas.

           

For more information on how to prepare your home for the cold winter months contact the McLean County Extension Service at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.