Homeowner's Pre-Winter Checklist

As the weather grows colder, homeowners should plan ahead for the stormy winter months. There are many things you can and should do to protect your home and family from the ravages of winter. Good planning can also help reduce maintenance and utility costs.

Central heating

• Open vents near the floor and close those near the ceiling for better air circulation.
• Test furnace before the weather gets very cold.
• Consider having a professional give your heating system a checkup.
• If heating system is older than 15 years, consider replacing it with a modern, efficient unit.
• Replace or clean your furnace air filters.

Window or through-wall air conditioners: Install a winter cover over the unit or remove it for the winter and seal the opening.

Insulation

• Make sure attic insulation is at least R30. One inch of typical fiberglass insulation has an R value of 2.5. So to achieve R30 you need at least 12 inches of insulation. If at all possible, make sure walls are insulated to R11.
• Make sure crawl space is insulated.
• Consider insulating your basement walls. Besides saving you heating dollars, it can reduce common moisture problems caused by condensation.
• If your house was built before 1950, it may be an excellent candidate for cost-saving blown-in wall insulation.

Attic ventilation

• Make sure attic insulation doesn't cover ventilation vents in the eaves (also called soffits or overhangs). This helps prevent winter ice dams.
• Make sure ridge vent and vents at eaves are free of plants and debris.
• Make sure bird and rodent screens for attic vents don?t have holes or loose corners. If they do, replace or patch them.

Cleaning

• Vacuum under and behind freezer and fridge. This can greatly improve efficiency of unit.
• Have chimney cleaned and checked by a chimney sweep.
• Have deck power washed and resealed. This is not necessary every winter. Every 4-5 is standard unless there is significant water damage.

Windows & Doors

• If you have the older type removable wooden storm windows, make arrangements to have them re-installed.
• Replace or repair any broken window locks or latches.
• Caulk around frames.
• Repair any cracked or broken window panes.