Although it has been a mellow fall so far, It is time to start thinking about winterizing your property. Whether you live there, rent it out or are looking to sell, these are important steps to take to minimize damage caused by the cold weather that is coming.
Landscaping and Roofs:
Be sure to turn off sprinklers and blow out the lines with compressed air if at all possible. This will help to to decrease freezing and cracking in the lines. Clean out the gutters and ground spouts so they won’t get clogged and overflow. Clean off fallen leaves on the sidewalks/grass to reduce hazards and this will help with the lawn in the spring. Carefully inspect trees to make sure they aren’t dragging against the building, or at risk for breaking under the weight of snow & ice.
Plumbing lines:
Check all hose bibs and sprinkling lines. Be sure to unhook, remove, drain and store any hoses. Hose bib covers can be found fairly cheap at all home improvement stores, and can save money in the long run. Wrap any exposed areas with insulation. Look for any exposed pipes outdoors or any indoors that are close to exterior surfaces and wrap with insulation.
HVAC:
If you have a swamp cooler, be sure to disconnect the water pipe, clean out the pan & dry any moisture that could cause damage. Make sure the furnace is running great by changing filters, cleaning it, and making sure the area surrounding the furnace is clear of anything that could catch fire or combust.
Windows & Doors
Check all doors and windows that they close properly and seal. Inspect weather stripping and install new weather stripping if needed. If it is an older home additional insulation should be installed to decrease drafts & keep the property efficient.
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