Prepare Your Home For Winter

The Fall Equinox, technically referred to as the Autumnal Equinox, is typically suggested as the best time to start preparing your home for winter. Depending on where you live, of course, temperatures may start to dip and the rain and/or snow might begin. But even if you don't live in an area where the weather turns nail-bitingly cold, it doesn't hurt to perform these essential home maintenance chores to keep your home in great shape. Even though it's now just a bit past that date, don't fret! Better late than never! Follow these tips and you'll be "winter-worries" free:

• Thoroughly inspect your home's exterior, including the doors and windows. Don't forget about the basement windows. Seal cracks, caulk windows, prime and paint any exposed wood, and replace cracked glass. Seal driveways, brick patios, and wood decks.
• Inspect your roof and gutters. Replace worn shingles and tiles. Clean your gutters of any debris and install leaf guards and install extensions on downspouts to direct water away form your home. And add extra insulation in the attic if your weather drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Inspect your foundation. Rake away debris and vegetation and seal up any crevices and cracks. Secure crawlspace entries to keep rodents out.
• Inspect your furnace. Call an HVAC professional to inspect and clean your home's ducts and be prepared to change the furnace filters monthly. If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves.
• Prepare your fireplace and chimney. Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and falling debris. Ensure the fireplace damper works properly and call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote. Don't forget to check the integrity of the mortar between the bricks. And stock up on firewood!
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, if you haven't already...don't forget to test both and buy extra batteries. Buy a fire extinguisher or replace your current one if it's 10+ years old.
• Prevent plumbing freezes. Know where your water main is in case you need to shut it off in an emergency and insulate any exposed pipes. And, if you happen to go on vacation, leave the heat on set to at least 55 degrees.
• Prepare your garden and gardening equipment. Trim tree branches that hang too close to the house or electrical wires. Prune trees, plant spring bulbs, and move more fragile potted plants inside. Be sure to drain the water from your garden hoses and gas from your lawnmower.
• Prepare an emergency kit with extra flashlights, batteries, candles, matches/lighters, water, non-perishable foods, including pet food if necessary, blankets and pillows, and a first aid kit - place everything in a dry and easy-to-access location. Prepare an evacuation plan, including putting emergency phone numbers next to your phone.

If this info isn't enough for you, check out these sites for more tips and advice: - About.com's Winterizing Your Home - DoItYourself.com's Prepare Your Home for Winter - Home Tip's 7 Steps to Take Now to Prepare Your Home for Winter