I feel like just yesterday we were watching the last of the snow melt and were celebrating the first spring flowers. Wouldn’t you know it’s fall again already! I tried to find a concise list of tips for prepping your homes for the incoming cold weather, but every site I found had pop up ads and other nonsense that was making my browser creep and head spin. Alas, you get a simple list prepared by yours truly. Enjoy!
1) Service Your Heating System
If you haven’t done this yet, you may not get a technician in for several weeks! Call now to schedule your heating system service for the season, and while you’re at it ask if they have any maintenance or loyalty plans. Many HVAC companies will offer discounts and loyalty programs.
*Pro Tip: Going forward, schedule your annual services for the end of the season (April/May) as technicians will be a lot less busy!
2) Sweep That Chimney
This is a big item homeowners often overlook. The last thing you want is a chimney fire! Be sure to have a chimney sweep come out to your home at least every couple years to scrub it out and inspect it. Take care not to burn woods like pine, which build up creosote in your chimney.
3) Clean the Leaves Out of Your Gutters
Between fall rains and snow melt, your gutters are about to get a workout- so make sure they’re clean! If there are saplings growing out of your gutters, you are long past due! Safety first – use a proper ladder, have a spotter, and please, do not fall off your roof! Be sure to rinse out the gutters and make sure they’re draining properly (no leaks). Check the clips to make sure they’re fastened well, and also your downspouts too. Make sure there’s enough extension that water isn’t being dumped right at your foundation and therefore seeping into your basement.
4) Prepare Garden Beds
You put a lot of time and effort into gardens in the warm weather, but winter is just as important! Plant spring bulbs now. When you’re done, remove any dead plant matter, add some fresh mulch and voila! You’re ready for the next growing season.
5) Install Driveway Markers
Don’t wait for the ground to freezw! Get those markers in before your plow guy shows up. Place them as close to the edges of your driveway as you can, or in front of delicate structures like stone walls and edging.
6) Be Prepared for Snow
Whether you shovel, snow-blow or plow… you’re going to want to make sure you’re ready in case the snow comes early. Ensure your machinery is serviced or your contracts are established for the winter season. While you’re at it, if shopping for better rates was on your to-do list, call around now!
7) Change Out Screen Doors & Check Weather Seals
Now is the time to check your doors and windows for drafts. Change out that screen in your storm door for the glass panel, swap screens for storm windows, and install weather stripping where needed. Got some drafty windows? Consider swapping out your draperies for insulated curtains. When spring rolls around, you can switch them back!
*Pro Tip: Got Swiss Cheese for screens? Drop them off with a screen repair shop this winter!
8) Pack Up/Store Your Patio Furniture
I’m sad to see the warm weather go too, but let’s be real. Spring will come around again and the last thing you want to do is replace that patio set. Order furniture covers online, or store in your shed/barn for the winter. Be sure to store cushions inside, because critters will be looking for cozy bedding this winter too!
9) Check your CO & Fire Alarms
Your house is going to be sealed up tight for winter, so lets make sure your alarms are in tip-top shape! If you’ve noticed the housing of your alarms is turning an old yellow color, it’s a good indicator they should be changed out/replaced. Test your alarms, make sure the batteries are good, and ensure you’ve got alarms not just in the stairwells or rooms closest to your heating system, but also adjacent to bedrooms, so in case of fire, everyone is alerted to danger.
*Pro Tip: Ensure your house is clearly labeled for emergency services. Your mailbox is a great place to affix a reflective street number.
10) Clean Your Dryer Vents
Lint builds up in your vents and is the leading cause of home fires. Get out there and clean the vent, as well as the ductwork while the weather is still comfortable. Ensure the vent cover is working properly and excluding critters from entering.
11) Prune Hanging Limbs
Trees are going into their dormant phase. Now is a great time to limb them up. Pay special attention to brances overhanging your roof, porch, driveway, and power-lines. When burdened with snow, they can cause severe damage. Regular pruning is critical to tree health.
*Pro Tip: If you’ve got branches dangerously overhanging power-lines, call your power company NOW. They can take weeks or months to get you on the schedule. If they won’t come out and prune in a timely fashion, you can also have them “drop the lines” for a half day or so, that way an arborist can safely trim your trees.
12) Order Wood!
If you haven’t yet, you’re already behind the 8-ball! Be sure to order seasoned wood, not green. If you’re burning for ambiance, a cord should suffice, but if you’re burning wood as a primary heat source, consider about 4 cords for a 1500sf home. Track what you use so you can be prepared for the next season.
*Pro Tip: Order green wood now for next year. You can stack and season it on your property, saving about $50/cord.
Planning to get your home ready for the spring market this winter?
Schedule your consultation now!
We’ve been getting lots of calls lately for folks considering selling in the Spring. The market is excellent for home sellers now, but if you are going to stick out another winter in your house- book your consultation now.
We’ll help you prioritize the must-do projeects around your home which will give your equity a boost and ensure your home shines when it finally hits the market.
That way, you have several months to check off your honey-do list rather than a stressful couple weeks come Spring.