Preparing Your Home for Winter

by Evan And Maria Lawler

7 Tips to Prepare your Home for Winter

As the summer season comes to an end, it's time to start thinking about preparing your home for the colder months ahead. It would be wonderful to claim that we experience long, extended autumn seasons here in Missouri, but unfortunately, that is not the case. The period of being able to keep doors and windows open is never long enough, therefore we make it a point to start contemplating a few matters during the transitional fall weather.

Service HVAC

One important task that should be on your to-do list is servicing your HVAC system. HVAC Professionals are happy to assist with this. This includes checking the filters, cleaning the coils, and ensuring all components are in good working order. Additionally, if you have been using window units to cool your home, it's important to remove and store them for the winter or cover them securely to protect them from the elements. Failing to properly maintain your HVAC system can result in inefficiency, higher energy bills, costly repairs, and chilly experiences. Taking the time to service your HVAC system and properly stow away your window units can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

Stock up on Firewood/Propane

Hopefully, you have some firewood seasoned. Be sure you have wood split and stacked close to the house. Many companies allow you to prebuy propane at a rate that is cheaper during late summer than buying it when you need it in the winter. Call your propane provider and see what they offer while you top off your propane tank.

Sweep Chimney

It is important to have your chimney swept annually as a precautionary measure against flu fires. Have it sept or do it yourself before you find yourself on the roof in frigid temperatures!

Prepare your Well House

If you have a well, place a heater on a thermostat in the well house or at least put a heat lamp in there ready to plug in before cold weather hits. You don't want to wait for a long freeze before you try and locate that heat lamp.

Close Crawl Space Vents

Before your temperatures get cold, close those vents. This will help the efficiency of heating your home, but will also help avoid freezing pipes.

Flush and Store Hoses and Water Tools

Be sure to flush water from your hoses, sprayers, and pressure washers. I have left hoses out a few times in the winter without draining them and have been greeted with a cold shower when I pull them back in the summer. It's a 5 minute thing that will save you some money and hassle!

Clean Garage and Shop

During the summer months, we tend to lead active lives both indoors and outdoors, with vacations and various kids events. As a result, we may overlook the organization of our garage and/or shop. Before the weather gets too cold, store away summer toys and tidy up the space. Bring forward any items you'll need during winter to easily access them without having to sift through your summer belongings.

In summary,