1.) Weatherproof your home – Check around your home for drafts and take precautionary steps to seal air leaks. A great way to do this is with weather-stripping or caulking. You can easily install foam (or felt) weather-stripping in doors or windows with drafts or apply silicone caulk.

Draft Hack: Since you may not have an infrared thermal laser lying around, use a lit candle around doors and windows to test for drafts. If a draft is present the flame will blow in your direction.

2.) Assess Your Roof – Have a professional inspect your roof for any damage to your shingles, gutters, and chimney, to prevent leaks. Make sure chimneys/stoves are properly cleaned out.

3.) Close Your Foundation Vents – Closing your foundation vents in preparation for colder and drier air reduces the chance for colder air entering the crawlspace and causing pipes to freeze.

4.) Reverse Your Fans – Reversing your fans will create an updraft, resulting in warmer air flowing downward. This will ultimately enhance your level of comfort and improve energy efficiency.

5.) Check & Clean Your Gutters/Downspouts – Inspect your gutters for damage and/or missing pieces. While there, make sure that your downspouts and gutters are fastened securely and clean out any debris to prevent water back up.

Downspout Tip: Adding an extension to your downspout will ensure water runs several feet away from the foundation of your home.

6.) Turn Off Exterior Water Supply – Disconnect any outdoor hoses and drain the faucets/spigots. This will prevent the possibility of pipes bursting during a freeze. You will also want a professional to come out to drain your irrigation system.

Note: If your home is 15+ years old, you will want to utilize the shut-off valve as faucets in older homes aren’t typically frost resistant.

7.) Mow & Mulch Leaves – instead of raking your leaves, mow them. Use a mower (without the bag) and a mulching blade to pass over dry leaves several times. This will allow the leaves to decompose and nourish your lawn.

8.) Inspect & Prepare Your Heating System – If you’re unfamiliar with the workings of your heating system, have a contractor or HVAC professional do an inspection to make sure everything is running efficiently. You will also want to replace your furnace filter.

If your inspection turns up several issues, it may be time to consider a complete home renovation. Contact us to begin the transformation from money pit to made over palace.