Simple Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter

The cold weather of winter can be harsh and lead to costly home repairs, so it’s important to take a few preventative measures to protect your home through the chilly months. Here are a few tasks you can tackle to make sure your home is ready.

  • Protect your pipes from busting by insulating exposed piping, both inside and outside your home.
  • Clean air vents and replace filters at least every three months.
  • Inspect doors and windows for gaps where warm air can escape. Weather stripping or installing storm doors and windows will prevent cold air from entering your home.
  • Have your chimney, fireplace and flue serviced annually before your first fire of the season.
  • Clean your gutters to prevent clogging and allow melting snow to drain properly.
  • Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets.
  • Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer.
  • Perform seasonal maintenance on your heating system to prepare for the season and identify any wear-and-tear on your unit.
  • Test smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Check water hoses on the washing machine, refrigerator ice maker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles.