Brace yourself, winter is peeking around the corner. If you haven’t started already, carve out some time to ensure your house...and those that live in it, are ready for whatever winter has up it’s sleeve.

Outside the Home

Pack up all your summer furniture, décor and sports equipment that may still be lingering around. If these items are being stored in your garage, get your winter gear out and moved toward the front where it can be easily accessed come that first snowfall.

Clean out your outside dryer lint trap. You’ll be surprised at how much accumulates in there. Lint build up is responsible for 34% of dryer related fires. Don’t overlook this important task.

Clean the gutters. If left clogged, frozen water could damage your roof and the gutters themselves.

Look for cracks and holes around your windows and cellar door. Don’t lose precious heat and money by letting cold air into your home. Seal these up with caulk or a filler type product. If you discover a really large hole, best to have it repaired professionally.

Have your garage door serviced. Don’t get stuck with a faulty door in bad weather. We offer a thorough routine garage door service that will make sure your overhead door is operating smoothly and safely.

Inside the Home

Check windows and doors for drafty areas. If these leaks are small, caulk can be used to close any gaps. You can also purchase window kits that cover the entire window to help keep the cold air out. Heavier curtains can also lessen a drafty window.

You can add some new weather striping to close any smaller gaps in doors.

Of course, for bigger problems, we recommend the replacement of any door or window to address any issues for years to come.

Your ceiling fan can help distribute heat when you adjust the fans to spin clockwise. Set on the lowest speed, the warm air closest to the ceiling will be redistributed downward.

If you are using alternative heat sources (electric heaters, fireplace, pellet stoves, etc) make sure your smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors are in working order. Change batteries and test them to make sure they are operating properly.

Don’t wait till a really cold day hits to find out your furnace is not working. Make an appointment to have it serviced soon. You should also change any air filters in the home so warm air flow is not hindered by dirt or dust.

How about your car.

Check tire pressure, fluids and your battery. Have an emergency kit with water, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables and blankets. You may even want to keep some sand and a small shovel in your trunk if you get stuck in the snow.

How can we help you save money on your utility bills? Call us for a free estimate on window or door replacements.