The weather outside isn’t frightful yet, but you can feel it coming! That chill is in the air. Are you ready for winter? More importantly, is your home ready for winter? If not, you could be looking at some serious damage once the cold sets in, and no one wants that!
Here are my tips and suggestions, but more importantly, here are my recommendations for local service providers who can give you a helping hand with some of these tasks. These are people I would trust in my own home, so I highly encourage you to reach out to them ASAP if you need some help getting your home ready for the winter.
Remove Fall Leaves and Debris from Gutters
Fall leaves are delightful—until they fall into your gutters. Full gutters can cause all kinds of problems when the snow falls and ice builds up on your roof (called ice dams). Trust me, it’s a lot easier and less expensive to clear out your gutters than it is to deal with roof damage.
If you need help with this task, call Guys N Gutters at (765) 426-8366. They can also give you a quote for gutter covers so you never have to worry about this task again. Talk about peace of mind.
Power Wash Siding
I was floored the first time I saw what power washing could do for a home’s looks. It’s so simple but so powerful (yes, pun intended). Generally, in the northern hemisphere, the north side of your home is the shadiest . . . and the happiest place for moss to grow.
Save your siding and your curb appeal by calling HydroForce Exterior Power Washing at (765) 586-3533. Depending on how tall your house is, you can also buy or rent a power washer and have fun spraying down the house yourself.
Remove Screens and Clean Windows
Screen tears and bent frames are so annoying. One way to keep them in great shape (by protecting them from high winds and snow) is to take them off your windows for the fall and winter when it’s too cold to have the windows open anyway.
This is also a great time to clean the windows so you can actually see outside. There’s nothing like looking out a freshly cleaned window.
Too busy to take this job on yourself? Call Twin City Window Cleaning at (765) 490-5745.
Clean the Fireplace
The best time to clean out the fireplace is before you use it for the season. Spread a towel or sheet at the base of the hearth and use a hand broom to sweep out ash and soot from the floor and walls of the fireplace. Unpainted brick can be cleaned with 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar and a little water to make a paste. Let the paste sit for 5 or 10 minutes and rinse with warm water. For larger areas, use dish soap and baking soda with a scrub brush.
Creosote buildup in a fireplace is totally normal, but it’s also very flammable. Call a chimney sweep to make sure creosote is cleaned out (a chimney sweep can also make sure there are no cracks in your chimney). Call Ty Mueller at (765) 430-3147.
Reverse Ceiling Fans to Change Air Flow
Did you know that ceiling fan blades should turn clockwise during the winter months to push warm air down? A little switch changes the direction of the blades. While you’re up there, dust off those blades, would ya?
Buy Fire Extinguishers
You should have one fire extinguisher on each floor and in the garage. Do you need one, or do you have one that needs to be checked? Visit our friends at Ace Fire Protection in Lafayette for all your fire extinguisher needs.
Change Smoke Detector Batteries
Change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries when you change your clocks—twice a year. It’s easy to remember, and that way, you’ll always have fresh batteries.
Also, note that most detectors only have a 10-year lifespan. Even if you push the button and they beep, they might not actually function properly in the event of a fire or in the presence of carbon monoxide.
Also, did you know you can get a FREE carbon monoxide detector from the fire department? No joke! They really do save lives, especially in the winter when it’s more likely that you’ll have carbon monoxide in your home.
Clean Air Return Vents
There is SO MUCH dust in our homes. Ensure that what you’re breathing is as clean as possible by vacuuming and cleaning out supply and return grills.
Or, take it a step further and get your ducts cleaned by Pro Vac!
Water Faucets and Irrigation System
Drain hoses and any exterior water spigots or faucets to prevent cold weather from freezing the water in the pipes and causing them to burst. Be sure to store any hoses inside to protect them from the elements. This is a good time to winterize your irrigation system, as well.
Check for Leaks and Drafts
A home loses a surprising amount of warm air through leaks. Inspect your windows and doors for leaks and drafts. To block air leaks, there are a few options—install weatherstripping, install new sweeps, apply foil stripping or caulking, or use foam insulation or foam tape. Insulating curtains can also help.
Inspect Your Furnace
It’s time to get that furnace inspected! Have an HVAC provider come and clean the system and make sure it’s in tip-top shape. You do not want to be without a working furnace on one of our sub-zero days. Try Blue Fox Heating & Cooling.
Buy a Generator
Get ready for those winter storms we get here in Tippecanoe County and buy a generator! You’ll be grateful for it when the lights and furnace are out.
Cover Bare Floors
In my opinion, few things are worse than walking around on a cold floor during the winter months. Cover those bad boys up with rugs.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Did you know that pipes can get too cold and burst when the water inside them freezes? If that happens, you’ve got an expensive mess on your hands. To protect against this problem, insulate your exposed pipes in both the attic and basement. Pipe insulation is available in many different materials and is easily installed.
I hope this helps you get your home ready for winter! If you need any other suggestions for service providers, just email me at stacy@russellteam.com, and I’ll hook you up!
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