Prepare your home for Winter
With Fall already whispering in our ear, we know that Old Man Winter is just around the corner. At the beginning of this busy season it’s always best to use the Boy Scout motto to “Be Prepared” when it comes to protecting your home. In Alaska, Winter can do quite the number on our properties if we don’t take the time to prepare and protect. Here are some quick reminders to add to your to-do list, so that you can spend more time enjoying the season and less time worrying about repairs later!
Tips to Winterize your Home:
- Undo hoses and protect faucets with freeze proof covers
Winter brings severe temperature drops, so we need to take the time to insulate the pipes that are most susceptible to freezing. It’s also a good idea if you’re around to keep a very slow stream running on a few faucets to prevent freezing and bursting. Also, save your hoses! Don’t forget to disconnect, drain and put away all garden hoses.
- Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors for batteries and operations
Fire is a common enemy in winter due to the drier air and more heat sources in use. It’s important to check your smoke detectors monthly and make sure they are working. Replace batteries as needed, and make sure you have batteries on hand to replace any chirping detectors that may get overlooked.
- Get your heating units cleaned
Check the filters on your heating units and have them serviced regularly. Your furnace and boilers should be checked as well as filters. A dirty filter won’t work efficiently. Clean all your vents and make sure they are clear of debris.
- Inspect your fireplaces
Inspect your chimney and fireplace. Make sure that you don’t have any unwanted guests nesting in your chimney. Be sure to remove any soot and debris and do a thorough clean before the first use.
- Gutter Inspection
If you don’t have gutter guards, you can install them if you’re able, and if not, just make sure that you have a well-ventilated attic area. The attic should be 10 degrees warmer minimum than outside. Clean your gutters thoroughly to avoid ice dams.
- Caulk your cracks
Installing and checking weather stripping and seals as well as caulking any openings and holes will prevent winter air from sneaking into your house! Check all openings such as windows, doors, mail chutes and air conditioners for any openings that could be sealed up.
Taking the time to prepare your winterization list now and getting a head start will cause less last-minute stress and pressure. In the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla or the Mat-Su Valley area we love to embrace our weather and the great outdoors. Let’s take the time now to prep and finish our to-do list so that we can spend more time outside having fun!
