Summer is over and there’s a chill in the air. This is a perfect time to prepare for winter. Here is a to-do list that will keep you on track and leave you plenty of time to relax and enjoy a cup of hot cider when the first snow starts to fall.
Call your plumber or licensed heating contractor and have your furnace tuned up and cleaned.
Winterize air conditioners. Remove and store window units or fit them with a protective cover.
Consider replacing old or worn doors and windows with new energy-saving units. Do this before the weather gets too cold.
Have your chimneys and wood stoves cleaned by a professional certified chimney sweep.
Stock up on firewood wood or pellets.
Check to see if you have enough heating oil and /or propane gas for the coming months.
Test and change batteries in smoke alarms, thermostats and garage door remote controls.
Invest in small room heaters to save on fuel oil. A small heater will allow you to close off parts of the house and heat one room at a time.
Make sure your humidifier is up and running. Clean it on a regular basis to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
Have your home inspected for mold, inside and out.
Finish up any outdoor painting projects on your list before the temperature drops.
Clean out the garage and sheds; do an inventory on seasonal tools.
Store small boats, kayaks, water sport and pool accessories in a dry place in the basement or garage.
Once the frost starts, drain and clean your gas-powered garden tools.
Shut off outside water valves to prevent exterior pipes and faucets from freezing and breaking the pipes.
Make sure your gutters are in good condition.
Using a pair of binoculars, check the condition of the roofs on your house, garage, porch and sheds.
Check your front and back steps to make sure they are in good condition and will not cause falls in the winter.
Disconnect and drain any outdoor spigots, fountains or water gardens.
Put up bird feeders where you can enjoy the view. Birds will become dependent on the feeder, so continue to feed them through the winter.
Make sure your snowblower is in working condition.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs.
Protect shrubs and susceptible plants from windburn and deer by covering them with burlap and/or netting.
Protect your lawn and flower beds with driveway markers.
Bring out the snow shovels and de-icing salt and place in an area within easy reach, ready for the first snowfall.
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