By De-de Mulligan

Winter will be upon us soon, so take this opportunity to these tasks this month and next to keep your house looking great. Taking these crucial steps will reap the following benefits:

1. Lower your home heating bills
2. Increase the lifespan of your house
3. Make your property safer and
4. Create a cozy environment for yourself and your guests.

Inside Tasks

Windows and Doors

• Inspect all windows and doors for cracks or broken glass. Replace glass, if needed.
• Check all windows and doors for leaks. The easiest way to do so is to put your hand up around the window to see if you detect airflow. If you do find leaks, add weather-stripping (including rope caulk) or use a sealant.
• Take all screens out of windows and doors. Clean screens and store them in your basement. Replace the screens, if you have them, with storm windows and doors.
• Install heavy drapes for your window treatments to keep cold air away.
• If you have blinds, flip the slats downward, which keeps the airflow close to the window and slows down the airflow into the room.

Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove

• Have your fireplace or wood-burning stove inspected and cleaned for soot or creosote by a professional chimney cleaner. Have the cleaner repair any cracks or voids that can cause air leakages.

Heating and Air Conditioning

• Replace furnace filters monthly.
• If you have an older thermostat, replace it with a programmable one. Turn your heat down to 64 degrees at night when you are sleeping and when everyone is away from the house.
• Purchase and run a space heater in hard-to-heat rooms. Be sure to turn it off or unplug it when you are not home or in the room.

Outside Tasks

Please take the following measures:

• Bring all pots and planters into the garage or throw them out. Leaving them outside creates a cluttered, unkempt impression of your home.
• Remove all hoses and store them in the garage. Wrap outside faucets with covers.
• Bring all tools inside and spray with a coating of lightweight oil to prevent rust.
• If you own a lawnmower, have it serviced.
• Inspect your snow shovels and make sure they are in good working order.
• If you own a snowblower, be sure to change its oil and replace the spark plug.
• Purchase an ample amount of salt for steps, walkways, and the driveway. Put it down after you have cleared the snow.

The temperature needs to be between 30-50 degrees to complete the items listed below. Be safe when working on this part of the to-do list:  

• Inspect all windows and door frames for rot or decay --  by repairing or caulking the frames, you keep heat in and maintain its structural integrity.
• Clean and cover patio furniture with a heavy tarp or store it in your shed or garage.
• Inspect all outside lighting and replace bulbs.
• Check the gutters and downspouts and secure spots that are loose and sagging.
• Clean gutters of any debris.

Follow these simple tips, and you will easily save hundreds of dollars throughout the winter on heating and electric bills.

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