{"id":1006,"date":"2020-10-20T12:53:25","date_gmt":"2020-10-20T20:53:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alaskahomesbybrooke.com\/?p=1006"},"modified":"2020-11-13T09:55:01","modified_gmt":"2020-11-13T18:55:01","slug":"prepare-your-home-for-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alaskahomesbybrooke.com\/2020\/10\/20\/prepare-your-home-for-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Prepare your home for Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s always best to use the Boy Scout motto to \u201cBe Prepared\u201d when it comes to protecting your home. In Alaska, Winter can do quite the number on our properties if we don\u2019t 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!<\/p>\n
Tips to Winterize your Home:<\/p>\n
Winter brings severe temperature drops, so we need to take the time to insulate the pipes that are most susceptible to freezing. It\u2019s also a good idea if you\u2019re around to keep a very slow stream running on a few faucets to prevent freezing and bursting. Also, save your hoses! Don\u2019t forget to disconnect, drain and put away all garden hoses.<\/p>\n
Fire is a common enemy in winter due to the drier air and more heat sources in use. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t work efficiently. Clean all your vents and make sure they are clear of debris.<\/p>\n
Inspect your chimney and fireplace. Make sure that you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t have gutter guards, you can install them if you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s take the time now to prep and finish our to-do list so that we can spend more time outside having fun!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
With Fall already whispering in our ear, we know that Old Man Winter is just around the corner. At the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1007,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1006","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-anchorage-news"],"yoast_head":"\n