As summer turns into fall, and the leaves begin to turn, it’s time to start getting your home ready for winter. Here’s a list of smart things you can do to that will reduce energy usage, extends the life of its systems and components, and makes your home safer.
Doors & Windows, etc:
- Check for air leaks around doors and windows. Seal, caulk, and/or weatherstrip as needed.
- Swap the screen door & window panels out for storm panels.
- Check sills, thresholds, trim, and frames for signs of wood rot or decay. Patch, seal and replace as needed.
- Consider installing foam insulation pads behind switch plates and outlets.
Trees & Lawn
- Trim branches away from the house and utility lines. Properly pruned trees are far less likely to be overloaded by ice and snow. This is a common reason for property damage or loss of power during snow storms. Always be careful of power lines!
- Complete your fall lawn preparation: remove leaves, aerate, over-seed, and fertilize.
- Make sure the soil slopes away from the house. Add fill dirt as needed to improve the positive grade. This helps prevent snow, ice, and water from accumulating against the foundation. This is one of the best ways to protect your foundation from developing cracks, settlement, and leaks.
- Prepare outdoor furniture for winter by cleaning, covering, and/or storing it out of the elements.
- Detach hoses from spigots, drain them and bring them inside.
Outdoor Tools & Equipment
- Winterize your lawn irrigation system before the first hard frost
- Winterize your small engine equipment: lawn mower, trimmer, or other gas-powered tools.
- Tune up your snow blower. Move it and your other snow tools (scraper, shovel, etc) to an easily accessible place.
- Repair or replace snow removal tools as needed.
- Purchase ice melt and/or sand.
Heating System, Fireplace and Humidifier
- Have your fireplace inspected and cleaned before it’s first of the season.
- Have your heating system cleaned and inspected. Even the smallest crack in the heat exchanger can cause carbon monoxide poisoning inside your home.
- An HVAC technician can also get your whole house humidifier serviced and ready. Having a whole house humidifier will combat the dry air caused by your furnace. Keeping the appropriate humidity levels in your home will prevent doors and windows from shrinking and help keep the cold air out.
- Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
- Remove and store window AC units.
- Consider replacing your old thermostat with a newer, programmable one. This will keep you from heating your home at times you’re not home.
- Switch your ceiling fans to move in a clockwise direction. This keeps warm air circulating instead of getting stuck up near the ceiling.
- Cover whole house fans to keep warm air in the house.
Roof and Gutters
- Check for broken or missing shingles. Replace as needed.
- Look for cracked flashing or gaskets. Seal or replace as needed.
- Remove all leaves and debris – consider installing gutter guards if needed.
- Make sure gutters are attached securely – the extra weight of ice and snow can cause gutters to sag.
- Make sure downspouts are directing water away from the house.
Once you knock out these items, you’ll be mostly done getting your home ready for winter. Then you’ll have time to enjoy the fall weather while it lasts!
Thinking of buying, selling or investing in real estate? Feel free to reach me below.
Justin Rollheiser – REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty | Diamond Partners, Inc.
13671 S Mur-Len Rd | Olathe, KS 66062
Mobile 913-800-7653
Office 913-322-5878
Comments or Questions?