Looking for helpful tips to keep your home in the best shape possible? Here are a few tips for keeping your home in the best shape before a winter storm hits.

• Prepare your heating system
  • If you have a high-efficiency system the PVC vent pipes should be checked for obstructions. If you have a boiler system, it should be cleaned by a professional every year. If you have a gas system it should be cleaned by a professional every three years.
• Check your fireplace and chimney
  • If you have a working fireplace, have it cleaned by a chimney sweep. Your chimney should also be checked for debris and cracks in the chimney.
• Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Prevent pipes from freezing
  • Insulate pipes, especially near windows, doors, and in unheated areas of the home.
  • Disconnect your garden hose from the outside faucet.
  • Do not set your heat lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Prepare for a storm
  • Make sure you have a survival kit, including bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first-aid supplies, batteries, and a smart phone charger.
• Protect entryways
  • Placemats on the inside and outside of the door, along with boot trays inside your entryways.
• Check for air leaks
  • Check for air leaks around windows and doors. Replace any caulking or weather stripping if necessary.
• Check the roof
  • Before winter hits check your roof for loose or missing shingles. Also, check for any broken seals around vents and the chimney.
• Reverse ceiling fans
  • Running the fan blades clockwise during the colder months pushes the heated air down.
• Protect the air conditioner
  • The condensing unit is built for outdoor elements, but it can be damaged by falling icicles or other debris.
  • Place a sheet of plywood on top of your AC and hold it down by a few bricks.
  • Don’t forget to remove and store window air conditioner units.
• Trim tree limbs
  • Trim any dead limbs so they don’t fall and damage your home
• Clear gutters
  • If you have not cleared your gutters of leaves and debris before the first snow, do so. Clean gutters allow melted snow to drain properly.
• Check steps and handrail
  • Check the steps leading to your home for tripping hazards or cracks. Repair any cracks in the concrete.
  • Make sure that the handrail is sturdy and well anchored.
• Prepare shovels and snow blowers. Stock up on salt, sand.
  • Put away rakes, leaf blowers, pruning shears, and garden shovels. Place snow shovels within easy reach.
  • Change the oil in your snow blower and replace the spark plug if needed.
  • Purchase salt, ice melt, or sand before the first snowfall.
• Protect patio furniture
  • Keep your patio furniture safe from the elements by covering it with heavy tarps or covers.
• Protect pots
  • Clay and porcelain planters can crack during the cold weather. Clean the soil from the planters and bring them inside. You can also store them on their side in the garage or shed.
• Install storm windows and doors
  • Storm doors and windows can help reduce heat loss during colder months, especially with single-pane windows.
• Drain sediment from water heater
  • Sediment can collect at the bottom of a water heater. This sediment can cause damage to the tank and cause premature failure.
• Refresh caulk in kitchen and bathrooms
  • Check for any areas where caulk may need to be touched up.
• Clean refrigerator coils
• Clean dryer exhaust vent
• Check your insulation and add to it if needed

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