Vintage Homes

The winter months can be costly and nerve racking for many homeowners.  Be sure to properly prepare your home for the winter months.

 Supplies Needed:

• Batteries
• Storm Windows
• Weather Stripping
• Snow Shovels
• Caulks
• Insulation
• Sand/Rock Salt

1. Add a second layer of insulation to your attic. R-30 insulation is considered the minimum. If your house is relatively new, it probably conforms.
2. Caulk around windows, doors, and all exterior trim.  Install or replace weather stripping on all doors and windows. Check for cracks or openings around pipes and electrical outlets on exterior walls.
3. Install storm windows and doors on older homes if they have not been updated with newer insulated glass.
4. Have heating system checked and maintained by licensed heating & air professional.
5. Check and clean gutters to ensure no flooding into basement.
6. Inspect roof and replace any shingles that are missing or damaged.
7. If you have a chimney, have it inspected and cleaned by a professional.
8. Seal foundation cracks that may have occurred over time.
9. It is a good idea to trim trees away from house.  Any dead or dying branches could fall easily in ice or snow storm and damage home severely
10. Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets.  Be sure to disconnect all garden houses as well.
11. Insulate all water pipes that are exposed to the cold temperatures.
12. Replace batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors as most use of gas and fire/inhalation issues raise this time of year.
13. Be sure fire extinguishers are in working order.
14. Stock up on rock salt/sand and snow shovels during the winter months.

Tags: energy efficient, home, prepare, winter

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at 7:35 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.