Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Furnace Inspection

• Consider getting your furnace (HVAC) inspected by a professional
• Remove all combustible materials away from the furnace
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• Change your furnace filters monthly

Fireplace

• Cap your chimney to keep out rodents and birds
• Contact a chimney sweep if your chimney hasn't been cleaned in awhile (especially important if you use your fireplace regularly, creosote builds up and becomes a fire hazard)
• Inspect your damper for proper opening/closing

Doors And Windows

• Inspect exterior doors and windows for cracks-seal
• Install weather stripping
• Replace cracked glass
• Cover windows with plastic to seal out cold air

Roof/Gutters/Downspouts

• Install extra insulation in attic if temperatures regularly fall below 32 degrees
• Check flashing to assure water cannot enter your home
• Clean debris out of gutters
• Clear debris away from downspouts-spray with a hose to flush out anything caught in the downspout

Foundation

• Rake away all leaves and vegetation
• Seal up entry points to keep small animals from entering the house or nesting under your foundation
• Inspect for pest infestation
• Secure crawlspace entrances

Equipment

• Drain gas from your lawn mower
• Winterize boat
• Tune-up or service snow blowers
• Replace rakes and/or snow shovels
• Purchase icemelt, sand or kitty litter

Smoke Detector/Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Test to make sure they work
• Buy a fire extinguisher or replace yours if it is greater than 10 years old

By Diana from Prospect, KY