Prepare for Winter Checklist

There’s a nip in the air which means winter will arrive soon.  Before the weather turns too cold, take some time to do the following important home maintenance tips.  By investing a few hours now, you may end up saving yourself money down the road. Print out this page and cross off each task as you accomplish it. Once you're done, your house will be ready to endure the long winter months.

Outside:
- Maintain your gutters.  Remove all debris so water can properly drain.  Clogged gutters can cause damage to landscaping, lawn & shrubbery, walls, foundation and basements.  

- Trim your trees and remove dead branches.  Winter weather can cause weak trees or branches to break & damage your home, car, utility lines or someone walking on your property.

- Maintain your steps and handrails.  Keep a supply of ice melt, a shovel and broom where they can be easily reached.

- Inspect your roof for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing or loose mortar around the chimney.

- Locate & shut off the water to outside faucets.  Remove all hoses from outside faucets; drain & store.

- Clean the debris and leaves from your lawn.  This prevents mold and disease from developing and reduces the chances of insects over-wintering.

- Leave at least 2” of grass the last time you mow your lawn.

- Mulch tender plants and bulbs.  Leaves are an excellent source of insulation for your tender plants; and as they decompose, they will add nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil.

Inside:
- Check your homes insulation in the attic as well as basement and crawl space.

- Clean permanent furnace filters; replace paper or disposable filters. Do this monthly through the winter season. 

- Call to schedule your annual heating system maintenance check.  If you’re a Planned Maintenance Agreement customer, we’ll be calling to schedule this money and energy saving check.  

- Check all fixtures and toilets to see if there are any leaks; repair immediately to save money and water.

- Daylight savings time ends October 31; remember to turn your clocks back one hour.

- Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you don’t have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Get them now.  They could save your life.

- Learn how to shut the water off and know where your main shut-off is located.  Check all shut-off valves to your plumbing fixtures. Make sure they are in proper working order.  

- Replace rubber washer hoses with stainless steel.

- Remember to change your return vents.  For the heating season, close the top vent and open the bottom.