FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2011
In addition to pulling out the cozy blankets, getting your flu shot and turning on the furnace, there are multiple projects you can do to prepare your home for the winter from the inside out. Unless you live in Hawaii, (which is the only state that has never dipped below zero), it’s probably a good idea to give your house a winter check-up.
 Furnace Inspection: You can either call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts or you can do this yourself. Be sure to clean up around the furnace, remove any flammable material and stock up on filters.
Fireplace: Time to clean out the chimney, stock up on firewood and be sure you have a fireplace screen if you have little ones around the house.
Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows: Walk around the inside and outside of your house and inspect windows and doors for cracks and cold air seeping through. Replace, seal or repair anything you find.
Gutters and Window Wells: Clean out the gutters of fallen leaves and debris. Clean out window wells as well, and perhaps consider installing plastic covers on your window wells and leaf guards on the gutters. Check your gutter downspouts to be sure they won’t create icy patches on your walkways or driveways.
Service Equipment: Drain the gas from your lawnmowers, tune up the snow blower. Put away the rakes and pull out the snow shovels. Drain all garden hoses, and stock up on bags of ice melt.
Check your foundation: Small mice are going to look for a home this winter, and cracks in your foundation will make you a welcome host. Rake away all debris from the foundation and seal up any cracks.
Prepare Landscaping: Trim trees of branches that might be too close to the house or electrical wires. Move outdoor pots and furniture inside.
Gather an Emergency Kit: Be sure you have plenty of indoor candles and matches, battery back-up, store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food, if you have a pet), in an easy-to-access location.
Reverse your fan: Reversing your ceiling fan is a something that most people overlook. By reversing its direction, the fan will push warm air down, keeping you warmer and your furnace less stressed. Your fan should be turning clockwise in the winter, and counter-clockwise in the summer.
Old man winter will be here before you know it. Do what you can to plan ahead so he doesn’t catch you unprepared.
To learn more about Louisville home insurance, ask the agents at Claude Reynolds Insurance! They will make sure you have the right homeowners insurance policy for your situation.
By Matt Reynolds - Google+
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