Temperatures are beginning to drop and before we know it, winter will be upon us. Although our Bainbridge Island winters aren’t as harsh as some other parts of the state, it’s still a good time to consider winterizing your home before it gets too cold. The last thing any wants to do is start prepping when freezing temperatures have already approached. Our team has put together six tasks to consider when winterizing your home, and we’re sure it’ll make things much easier on your end!
Furnace and Heating System Check
It’s important to have your heating/furnace system checked periodically regardless of the winter season. We encourage our clients to have a furnace technician come out and give your system a quick look at to make certain things are working properly. The technician will also evaluate your furnace filter and recommend replacing it if needed. They will also check for heating leaks or vents that may need repair. Overall, it’s a good investment to make in the long run.
Insulate your Pipes
Pipes can tend to freeze if they aren’t insulated well. Check to make sure that you don’t have any exposed piping throughout your home (and your exterior). If you do, then be sure to insulate it properly with foam insulating sleeves or hire a professional to insulate them. The cost to repair burst pipes can be hefty, so spending the small amount upfront to avoid that is definitely worth it.
Clean Out the Gutters
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is often overlooked! Pine needles, leaves and tree debris often hold moisture and put more stress on your gutters when temperatures do freeze. In turn, this leads to damaged shingles, siding and trim. A quick sweep before the first frost of the season should put your home in a good position.
Mulch Flower Beds
If you want to avoid pesky weeds for your garden come spring, fall/winter mulching is a must. Adding 3-4 inches of mulch to your flowerbeds allows for the topsoil to thrive and doesn’t leave room for weeds to succeed. As an extra layer of protection, mulch will also help your perennial flowerbeds. Studies from the University of Michigan and Purdue University suggest to “mow your leaves instead of raking them. The trick is to cut the leaves, while dry, into dime-sized pieces that will fall among the grass blades, where they will decompose and nourish your lawn over the winter.”
Find Drafts and Block Them
Most people don’t discover drafts throughout their home until winter is in full swing. On a really windy day, walk throughout your home and close each window. Then, (if smoke doesn’t bother you), light an incense and see if the incense smoke follows towards the window (this is a key way to see if your windows have a draft). If you find any windows with a draft, be sure to block it by caulking them or sealing them off properly so you can avoid a high heat bill and keep all the warmth inside.
Lastly, Stock on Winter/Snow Essentials
While it should be noted, historically, our area doesn’t receive heavy snowfall but the last few years have proved differently. Be prepared for the worst-case scenario by purchasing a snow shovel and rock salt or ice melt just in case we do get some atypical snow!