REAL ESTATE
Is Your Home Ready For
Winter?
Winter is quickly approaching, making this a good time to
winterize your home . Following the checklist below may prevent a frantic call
for furnace or plumbing service on New Year’s Eve.
HEATING and
AIRCONDITIONING:
• Have
your furnace checked by a qualified service technician every two years for a
gas furnace and every year for an oil furnace.
• Change
or clean your furnace filter.
• Vaccuum
electric baseboard heaters, and remove
grills on forced air systems to vacuum inside the ducts
• Clean
your outside air conditioning unit by removing dry leaves, and dirt, and cover
the unit.
PLUMBING:
• Drain
and store outside hoses and turn off the water supply to all exterior faucets
• Insulate
exposed plumbing pipes
• Know
where your water main is in the event
you need to shut it off
• If
going away leave the heat on at least 55 degrees to prevent freezing and burst
pipe
ROOF:
• Check
the roof for missing or damaged shingles and replace them
• Check
flashing around chimneys and other roof projections
• Make sure
gutters and downspouts are clean of leaves.
FOUNDATION:
• Tuckpoint
or seal foundation cracks
• Inspect
sill plates for dry rot or pest infestation
• Rake
away all debris and vegetation from the foundation
FIREPLACE:
• Check
your chimney
• Inspect
the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing
ALSO:
• Use
weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering and caulk
windows
• Test
your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors
• Make
sure you have a working fire extinguisher
• Prepare
an emergency kit containing candles, matches, batteries , flashlights, bottled water and a first aid kit.
• Stock
up on dried and canned foods including pet food for your furry family members.
Knowing that your home is safe and secure from extreme weather
conditions will give you peace of mind so that you can enjoy our Canadian
Winter with all its festivities and outdoor activities.
ALWAYS
MINDING YOUR HOME