Summer has come to an end, and before you know it, snow will be falling in the Salt Lake Valley. Before we get to that point, it’s a good idea to take steps to winterize your home and get it ready for cooler weather. We gave you 10 fall yard care tips to prep your yard ahead of winter recently (check it out here), but there are things you can do inside/around the house to get ready as well. Here are 10 items to do now to get ready for winter.
Check Your Heating System
There’s nothing worse than discovering your furnace isn’t working properly (or at all) when it’s freezing outside. So now is the time to do routine maintenance and check that it is working. Start by running the furnace to make sure it’s actually working properly. Set your thermostat to 80 degrees and let it run for a few minutes to ensure heat is coming out. Now is also a great time to check your filter and replace it if needed; inspect and clean heating vents throughout the house and the exhaust vents outside your home to ensure there are no obstructions and air can flow freely; and check for carbon monoxide leaks using an inexpensive test badge or battery-operated alarm. While much of this can be done on your own, it may be a good idea to hire a professional to do these items and inspect and clean other parts of your system to ensure your furnace operates properly not just this year but for years to come. Most furnace manufacturers recommend a system inspection and cleaning every couple of years at a minimum.
Check Your Fireplace
If you plan on using your fireplace this winter, make sure it is in proper working order. For both gas and wood-burning fireplaces, it’s best to hire a professional to inspect, clean, and do any repairs needed. In the case of gas fireplaces, a pro will look for gas leaks and broken sensors and ensure that vents aren’t blocked. This is important to help prevent fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
For wood-burning fireplaces, a professional can check the chimney for damage and clean out any creosote build-up and other debris that could be a fire hazard. They can also ensure the damper is working properly to eliminate unwanted drafts.
Check Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Did you know that winter is the time when most house fires happen? It’s also the time of year when carbon monoxide poisoning is most likely That’s why it’s especially important to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are properly working. It’s best to have smoke detectors in every room of your home, including hallways. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every room with a fuel-burning appliance or in a central location such as a hallway. Make sure the detector is installed at least three feet away from the fuel burning appliances. For both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, it’s a good idea to check batteries every month.
Re-Caulk and Replace Weather Stripping
Check around windows and doors for air leaks, including cracks or gaps in caulking and weatherstripping. As a general rule if a crack or gap is bigger than the width of a nickel, you’ll want to reapply exterior caulk or replace the weatherstripping. For caulk, silicone is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and is impervious to the elements. Re-caulking and replacing weatherstripping will help keep water out of your home and help save on heating costs.
For added heating costs savings, add plastic sheeting to windows.
Check Your Roof
Who wants to worry about fixing leaks when the weather is bad? Avoid that problem by inspecting your roof now for loose or missing shingles that could lead to leaks. Also, look for broken seals around vents and chimneys while you are up there.
Prevent Pipes from Freezing
The most obvious pipes to protect are those in the yard. Winterizing your sprinkler system is a MUST (check out our video here for help with that), as is disconnecting hoses from outside faucets. If you have pipes that are exposed or near windows or doors or in areas that may not get heat, insulate them to prevent freezing. Finally, set your heat no lower than 55 degrees during winter to ensure pipes are properly heated.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fan
Your ceiling fan has a switch that will make fan blades run clockwise. Running the blades clockwise during winter months can push heated air down into a room. This can be particularly helpful in rooms with high ceilings.
Prepare for Snow Removal
Move your snow shovels to an area where they will be easily accessible and stock up on ice melt or dirt. If you have a snowblower, you’ll want to do routine maintenance to get it ready, including changing oil and replacing the spark plug if needed.
Get Mower and Patio Furniture Winter-Ready
In addition to getting your snowblower ready for winter, you will also want to do the same for your lawn mower. If you leave fuel in the engine over the winter, it can decompose and could cause damage to the engine that will make it hard or impossible to start come summer. Draining the fuel out or running the engine until it runs out is best, but you may be able to keep fuel in it as long as it is a full tank. Check your owner’s manual for best practices for cold-weather storage.
You’ll also want to get your patio furniture ready for the winter. Keep furniture safe from the elements and help avoid rust by covering it with a tarp or moving it into a shed, garage, or basement.
Have an Emergency Kit Ready
Power outages can happen in winter storms, so it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit ready just in case (this is also good for earthquakes like what we experienced in March). Stock up on bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first-aid supplies, batteries, and a portable charger that can power phones and other devices. If you are in an area known to have frequent power outages, you may also want to consider investing in a generator.
Looking for your dream home? Liberty Homes has been building new homes in Utah for more than 25 years. We take pride in our trade, crafting each home as if it were our own. Our quality, affordable homes are energy smart and thoughtfully personalized for your active Utah lifestyle. We currently have new single-family homes available in Bluffdale and West Valley. Contact us today to get started building your new home.
