Winter Care Tips: Part 2

Last week we talked about different ways to “winterize” the exterior of your home. Today we are going to give you some tips on how to “winterize” your tools and machinery, heating and air conditioning units, and your gutters, roof, and drains.

• Bring all seasonal tools inside and spray them with a coating of lightweight oil to prevent them from rusting.
• Weatherize your lawn mower by cleaning off any mud, leaves, grass, or debris.
• Check your fireplace for drafts. If it’s cold despite the damper being closed, the damper itself may be warped, rusted, or worn.
• Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
• Make sure fans are switched to the reverse or clockwise position, which will blow warm air down to the floor for enhanced energy efficieny
  and comfort.
• Examine exposed ducts in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces.
• Flush out your hot water heater tank to remove sediment, and check the pressure relief valve to make sure it’s in proper working order.
• Check the gutters and downspouts for poper fastening, and re-secure if loose or sagging. The weight of snow and ice can pull gutters off the house.
• Ensure all vents and openings are covered to prevent insects, birds, and rodents from getting inside to nest in a warm place.