Time to Winterize your Home

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As cold weather approaches, it is important to take a few preventative measures to protect and winterize your home for the chilly months ahead. Winterizing the inside and outside of your home can be done relatively inexpensively and could end up saving you money on energy bills, too.

 

Winterize the Outside of Your Home

Here’s a checklist for winterizing the outside of your home. Pick a weekend to winterize before it gets cold.

    • winterize patio furnitureClean your gutters in the fall and check them before winter.
      Prepare your lawn for the winter.
    • Drain the gas from your lawnmower before storing it.
    • Gas up your snowblower.
    • Put your outdoor furniture away for the season or cover it with tarps.
    • Put your grill in the garage or cover it for the winter.
    • Disconnect your garden hoses and store them for the winter.
    • Caulk any cracks around the outside of your windows and doors.
    • Weatherstripping doors and windows will prevent cold air from entering your home.
    • Give your deck a fresh coat of sealer to protect it from the winter elements.
    • Bring your plants inside before the first cold snap.
    • Buy a snow shovel and other winter supplies early.

 

Winterize the Inside of Your Home

Winterizing the inside of your home is easier and can be done at any time.

  • replace furnace filterReplace your furnace filter.
  • Test your heating system, so you know it will work properly.
  • Change the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Open the vents throughout your home for heat.
  • Change the direction of your ceiling fans to clockwise for winter.
  • Insulate pipes that run through non-heated areas.
  • Protect windows from heat loss.
  • Add draft guards on any doors that go outside.
  • Clean your fireplace before using it. Don’t forget to buy firewood.
  • Consider a digital thermostat that automatically reduces the heat when you’re out of the house and warms it back up when you get home.
  • Check your dryer vent to make sure it’s not clogged.
  • Keep extra water and canned food in storage — just in case.

 

There are also projects that may require professional services — masonry, carpentry, window replacement, and roofing to name a few. If you are in need of a reputable construction company, contact Albrite Building today at 630.655.9436. We can also provide you with a free estimate for your project. Albrite Building is located at 777 Oakmont Lane, Suite 50, Westmont, Illinois 60559