Is your home ready for winter?

Disclaimer: Originally posted December 27, 2019 on a site that has since become unusable for my purposes.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  We're basking in that post-holiday glow and life is good.  Christmas lights are still up, giving everything that beautiful warm glow but the chaos of holiday prep and millions of holiday parties is over.  We have taken off work the week between Christmas and New Year's and it's like the whole world has slowed down.  I, for one, love this time when I can hole up at home with my family, a pile of blankets and leftover Christmas cookies.

But while we're spending some time on self care, let's not forget to show our homes a little love!  Taking a little time to prepare for the upcoming cold months can save you a lot of time, money and headaches.  Is your home ready for winter?  Here are a few tips!

1. Disconnect your outside water hoses.  Leaving your garden hose attached is a freeze hazard and could cause your pipes to bust.  While you're at it, make sure the hoses are drained so they don't freeze and crack too.
2. Service your heating and cooling system.  Change your filter, reverse the direction of ceiling fans and have an HVAC professional look at your furnace.  While you're at it, protect your A/C compressor.  Many people wrap their outside unit, but that's not necessary.  It can actually cause more issues because a rodent could decide it's a nice shelter!  Put a piece of plywood over the top, weighted down, to keep icicles from falling in and causing damage.  Want even more ways to keep your home warm?  Check out this article https://www.familyhandyman.com/heating-cooling/unexpected-ways-to-keep-your-house-warm-this-winter/
3. Clean your chimney.  Run the point of your fireplace poker along the inside of your chimney liner.  If you find a 1/8-in. of buildup, clean your chimney because creosote buildup can cause a fire.  Check out this article for more tips https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/how-make-sure-your-fireplace-safe/
4. Check for slip/fall hazards.  When you can't see the lifted stepping stone through the snow you may not remember it's there, so level things now.  While you're at it, look if there are any places water may stand and freeze, causing slip hazards.
5. Empty your flowerpots.  Another simple fix to save you from potential freeze damage!
6. Empty the gas from your lawnmower (and other gas-powered lawn tools).  Gas does go stale.  Save yourself a gummed up carburetor in the spring.
7. Seal windows and doors.  Caulk around your windows and doors or add weather stripping to keep heat in.  Because heated air expands, it will try to escape.  Even rolling up a towel in front of an ill-fitting door can help keep heat in and a cold draft out.  For more information, look here https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/diy-repair/how-to-fix-drafty-windows/

I hope this helps you have a toasty, warm and stress free winter!  Check a few items off the list, then get back to snuggling on the couch with your hot cocoa and a cheesy holiday movie!