Preparing for Winter in the Summer?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Heading into Winter prepared!

Winter will sneak up on us quicker than you think; especially in the Northeast!

So, what can we do now to prepare for what's coming? Here are some tips on getting prepared for Winter; in the Summer..

Gutters

If you have gutters on your home, like many of the older homes do in the Northeast; Now would be a good time to give them an overhaul.

Check for any repairs that may need to be made and clean them out. Without clean gutters and proper flow control, you might be dealing with icy front steps this winter! Be sure to clean your gutters so melting snow and freezing rain can flow away from your walking areas and foundation. 

Equipment

If you own a snow blower, now would be a good time to check the tires and fluids and give it a good cleanup. You don’t want to have to deal with that at 5am when you need to get to work and there is a foot of snow on the ground.

 Outside Water lines

Draining the Pipes is a good idea if you have an "outside water line." It is recommended that you turn off outside water sources. Turn off the water lines and then open the spigots outside to drain the line. This is a simple task that could save you lots of money and a huge headache with burst pipes.

Furnace

Have your furnace serviced if necessary, furnace filters need to be changed monthly to ensure clean air in the winter time. It also improves the effectiveness of your furnace and can reduce your energy bills.

Fire and Smoke detectors 

With fall and winter come holiday dinners, nights around the fireplace, and lighting our Warm Apple Pie spice candles. Now is the time to make sure all your detectors have fresh batteries and your alarms are set and ready! 

Chimney

Whether you have a fireplace or a wood stove, it is always a good idea to get your chimney cleaned and looked over every year. Replace broken bricks as you find them. Doing it now can save you from having to get on your roof in the Winter!

Prepare your yard

We often think of just our homes, and how we can prepare them for Winter. But, just one simple step can help you have a healthier lawn in the Spring.

Once you've done your last mowing for the season, sprinkle on lawn fertilizer. This helps to ensure stronger roots and a thicker lawn, as well as giving your soil nutrients to help during the cold months.

These are just some of the things that you can do in the Summer to get you ready for the Winter!