Top 6 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter
The holidays are fast approaching, which means winter is almost here! If you’re like us, you haven’t started shopping for gifts yet but you have started thinking about winterizing your home. While we’re lucky to have relatively mild winters here in the Pacific Northwest, there are still some important tasks to take care of.
#1 Fertilize your lawn: Our grass takes a beating in the hot Portland area summers, so give your lawn a little extra TLC before winter arrives. To help your lawn deal with summer heat, you need to prep now. Even if grass doesn’t grow much during the winter, its roots are still active. Fertilizer prevents winter damage and helps your grass look better in the spring and summer. Applying fertilizer once in the fall is sufficient, but overachievers can fertilize in the early fall and late fall. Consider overseeding too – it’s a great way to give your lawn a boost (or start a new one from scratch) and autumn is the best time to do it.
#2 Bring your outdoor furniture inside: All that rain can damage your patio furniture. Even cushions or other materials that are waterproof or water resistant can get damaged by the rain. Don’t let your furniture rust or get moldy – store it inside! If you’re short on space, cover furniture securely with a waterproof cover or tarp so it won’t blow away or let rain in.
#3 Check for drafts: The U.S. Department of Energy says that windows are responsible for 25-30% of energy use. The good news is that weather stripping goes a long way in reducing drafts. If your windows and doors don’t have weather stripping, it’s an affordable and easy project to tackle. If you do have weather stripping, inspect it annually for signs of damage. It can easily deteriorate thanks to the weather, friction, age, people, or pets. Simply pull it out if you have a peel-and-stick type, or unscrew the fasteners if you have a more complicated type. There are many great weather stripping options, from adhesive-backed foam to tension-seal. Whatever type you choose, it’ll keep the drafts out and the heat in!
#4 Clean your gutters: This is a big one here in the Portland area, given the heavy winter rains. Make sure your gutters are clean and free from obstructions by inspecting them in the fall. Don’t risk a clog that could lead to water damage to interior or exterior damage.
#5 Check your batteries: Make sure you’re checking your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors frequently. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends checking your detectors monthly and replacing the batteries every six to 12 months. Detectors should be completely replaced every 10 years.
#6 Give your furnace a tuneup: Make sure your furnace is ready for the upcoming winter. Don’t risk costly repairs or replacements while your family waits in a cold house. Your energy bills will be lower and your equipment will last longer when you’re properly taking care of it. Contact us today to schedule a $129.99 tuneup.
Tags: furnace tuneup, home maintenance tips, tuneup special