10 Steps to Prepare for the Cold Months Ahead

The best time to prepare for the cold of winter is during the warm days of early fall.  Here are ten steps that will help you get ready for chilly weather.

1.  Check your furnace.  Change or clean the air filters and remove any material that could easily catch fire away from the furnace area.  Have your heating system inspected and ducts cleaned.

2.  Have your flues or chimneys inspected and cleaned.

3.  Check for drafts and leaks around windows and doors.  Replace weatherstripping  if necessary.  Seal cracks inside and outside with caulk.  Replace doorstops if necessary.

4.  Remove leaves and trash that have accumulated in rain gutters and downspouts over the summer and fall.

5.  Consider installing a setback thermostat which allows you to program your heating system to go up or down during certain times of the day.

6.  Add additional insulation in your attic. 

7.  Cover exposed pipes and faucets with insulated coverings.  Cover your water heater with a water heater blanket.

8.  Check your kerosene heater or backup generator and make sure they are functioning properly.  Or purchase a heater or generator in case your area loses electricity.

9.  Check your emergency storage supplies and replace if necessary.  Do you have flashlights, batteries, household candles or kerosene lamps?  Do you have a 72 hour food pack for each person in your household?  Do you have extra water?

10.  Get your yard ready.  Give it a fall aeration and fertilization.  Rake leaves while they are dry.  Order bulbs now for colorful blooms next spring.