TIPS FOR THE FALL FROM OUR EXPERTS As much as we hate to admit it, winter is right around the corner! Now is the time to take a few actions to ensure your home is winter ready. Here are a few tips to avoid major issues when the snow flies. Inspection is key Inspect your windows and doors for leaks, drafts, and damage to weather-stripping and caulk, both inside and outside. Avoid the drafts and reduce heating costs over winter! Inspect your roof for missing, damages or loose shingles. Eyeball the caulk around chimneys and air vents. If you do need repairs on your roof, ask the repairman to have a look while they are up there. Clean and tidy Clean out the gutters and downspouts of all leaves and debris. This will prevent snow and ice build-up which can result in water entering the home, or ice damming. Trim any bushes and trees which come into contact with wiring or powerlines. That last thing you want is electrical issues or damage to power on a very cold night! Turn off the water supply to any exterior water valves (usually located indoors). Take the hose off the spout and let the spout run to drain any excess water left in the pipes. Excess water can cause damage to pipes if it freezes. If you have sprinkler systems, don’t forget to turn them off as well. Housekeeping Have your furnace inspected and replace the air filter. An annual routine maintenance check can save you a lot of money in the long run (not to mention the waiting times of sometimes over a week to get someone out to repair it). thermostat, consider replacing it with a programmable one for efficiency and cost savings. Have your chimney swept by a professional to prevent house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning which can result from improperly maintained chimneys. Bonus Tip Turn the ceiling fans to run in reverse. Running the ceiling fan counterclockwise prevents hot air from rising, keeping the heat down low and right where you want it! If you have an old
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