The cool, crisp autumn air can be energizing, and now may be a good time to use some of that energy to get your house ready for those cold winter months ahead. Looking around your house and property, you may find a number of things that need to be done annually or semi-annually.
INSIDE THE HOUSE
* Change your air filters and clean the ducts and vents to keep the air you're breathing healthy and clean.
* Make sure the seals around your doors and windows are tight to keep the cold air out and keep your heating bills down.
* Drain your hot water heater to remove any sediment and improve performance.
* Clean the dust off your ceiling fans and reverse their direction.
* Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and change their batteries.
OUTSIDE IN THE YARD
* Cut back dead branches and other foliage that have grown near your house.
* Start a compost pile and add to it all winter so that it can be used for spring gardening.
* Cover perennials with mulch to protect them from the winter frost.
* Clean leaves and other debris out of your gutters.
* Cut firewood and set aside in a dry place to save for fires on a chilly day.
* Have your chimney professionally cleaned. Yes, we still have chimney sweeps today!
One full day set aside to prepare your home for winter should be enough to have your house and yard ready to face the snow, sleet, ice and freezing temperatures. Get this done now, because before you know it, you will be spending your time attending Fall Festivals and Christmas shopping.
INSIDE THE HOUSE
* Change your air filters and clean the ducts and vents to keep the air you're breathing healthy and clean.
* Make sure the seals around your doors and windows are tight to keep the cold air out and keep your heating bills down.
* Drain your hot water heater to remove any sediment and improve performance.
* Clean the dust off your ceiling fans and reverse their direction.
* Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and change their batteries.
OUTSIDE IN THE YARD
* Cut back dead branches and other foliage that have grown near your house.
* Start a compost pile and add to it all winter so that it can be used for spring gardening.
* Cover perennials with mulch to protect them from the winter frost.
* Clean leaves and other debris out of your gutters.
* Cut firewood and set aside in a dry place to save for fires on a chilly day.
* Have your chimney professionally cleaned. Yes, we still have chimney sweeps today!
One full day set aside to prepare your home for winter should be enough to have your house and yard ready to face the snow, sleet, ice and freezing temperatures. Get this done now, because before you know it, you will be spending your time attending Fall Festivals and Christmas shopping.
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