If you can brave the cold, these are the items that should be addressed to make your home winter-ready:
EXTERIOR
EXTERIOR
- Check for cracks and holes in the siding, and fill with caulking if needed
- Store firewood at least 30 feet from your home to reduce your home’s fire load and the chance of attracting termites
- Check storm windows and doors; clean and repair as needed
- Give your snowblower a preseason checkup
- Keep paths cleared of snow and ice
- Disconnect the garden hose from the outside faucet
INTERIOR
- Check weatherstripping on doors and windows.
- Clean clothes dryer vent
- Inspect clothes washer hoses for leaks
- Clean kitchen exhaust hood and filter
- Clean your oven
- Check sinks and toilets for leaks
- Reverse ceiling fans to make the blades run clockwise
- Test and dust all smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide monitors
- Test GFCI outlets
- Test sump pump
- Replace the HVAC air filter
