What is winterization?

When fall rolls around, along with the cold weather, it's a good idea to prepare your house for the winter to come.  This is called winterization.  Your house needs the maintenance to keep it in the best possible shape through out the winter.  Winterization can prevent freeze damage and keep your house warm as the temperature drops.  Maybe you have a summer home that was built only to be used in the summer and will not be used all winter.  That home you would definitely need to be winterized.

Tips for winterization
Here are some tips that will help you prepare your home for the winter.
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1) You should get a furnace inspection.  An HVAC professional can inspect your furnace and clean ducts.  It's a good idea to get more furnace filters and change them every month.  You might want to think about switching your thermostat to a programmable one.  You need to remove all flammable material from the area around your furnace.

2) Prepare the fireplace.  To keep out rodents and birds, cap or screen the top of the chimney.  If you think it's been awhile since your chimney has been cleaned, you should get a chimney sweep to remove all the soot.  The fireplace damper needs to be checked for proper opening and closing.  If you need to, check the mortar between bricks.

3) Check the exterior doors and windows.  You need to seal any cracks and exposed parts around pipes.  Caulk the windows and use weather-stripping around doors to keep cold air out.  If there is any cracked glass in the windows, replace it.  Prime and paint exposed wood.  If you have window wells in the basement, you can cover them with plastic shields.  Any screens used in the summer should be replaced with glass.  Install storm windows if you have them.

4) Check roof and gutters.  Check flashing to make sure water can't come in.  You should replace any worn roof shingles and tiles.  Clean out the gutters.  Use a hose to spray water down the downspout to clear out all the debris.

5) Prepare equipment that is specific to the weather.  For lawnmowers, you need to drain the gas.  Tune-up the snow blowers.  Any worn out rakes and snow shovels should be replaced.  Summer gardening equipment should be cleaned, dried and stored.  Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ice-melt.

6) Check the foundations.  Rake away all debris from the foundation.  If you find any entry points, seal them up to keep animals from crawling under the house.  Mice can fit through really small spaces, so seal any foundation cracks you find.  Check sill plates for pest infestation or dry rot.  Secure any crawlspace entrances.

7) Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  In certain cities, it is required to have a smoke detector in every room.  Make sure you have extra batteries for the detectors and change them a couple times a year.  A carbon monoxide detector should be installed near the furnace or water heater.  Make sure the detectors work by testing them.  You should get a fire extinguisher or replace one if it's older than 10 years.

8) Take care of the plumbing.  You should know where the water main is incase there is an emergency and you need to shut it off.  Drain all the garden hoses.  If there are any exposed plumbing pipes, you should insulate them.  Drain the air conditioner pipes.  If the A/C has a water shut-off valve, turn it off.  If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.

9) Prepare the landscape.  If there are trees and branches hanging too close to the house or electrical wires, they need to be trimmed.  To avoid winter damage, ask a gardener when your trees should be pruned.  Seal the driveway, brick patios and wood decks.  Sensitive potted plants should be moved indoors.

10) Be prepared for an emergency.  Incase there is a power outage, get candles and lighters.  Know where to find the phone number for your utility company.  To protect your computer and electronic equipment, buy a battery back-up.  Store extra bottled water and
non-perishable food (and pet food, if needed), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and convenient spot.  In case of an emergency, you should make an evacuation plan. Winterization Services

....and making certain it sleeps well, damage free and easy to de-winterize.
Tips for winterization - prepare your home for the winter.
1) You should get a furnace inspection. An HVAC professional can inspect your furnace and clean ducts. It's a good idea to get more furnace filters and change them every month. You might want to think about switching your thermostat to a programmable one. You need to remove all flammable material from the area around your furnace.
2) Prepare the fireplace. To keep out rodents and birds, cap or screen the top of the chimney. If you think it's been awhile since your chimney has been cleaned, you should get a chimney sweep to remove all the soot. The fireplace damper needs to be checked for proper opening and closing. If you need to, check the mortar between bricks.
3) Check the exterior doors and windows. You need to seal any cracks and exposed parts around pipes. Caulk the windows and use weather stripping around doors to keep cold air out. If there is any cracked glass in the windows, replace it. Prime and paint exposed wood. If you have window wells in the basement, you can cover them with plastic shields. Any screens used in the summer should be replaced with glass. Install storm windows if you have them.
4) Check roof and gutters. Check flashing to make sure water can't come in. You should replace any worn roof shingles and tiles. Clean out the gutters. Use a hose to spray water down the downspout to clear out all the debris.
5) Prepare equipment that is specific to the weather. For lawnmowers, you need to drain the gas. Tune-up the snow blowers. Any worn out rakes and snow shovels should be replaced. Summer gardening equipment should be cleaned, dried and stored. Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ice-melt.
6) Check the foundations. Rake away all debris from the foundation. If you find any entry points, seal them up to keep animals from crawling under the house. Mice can fit through really small spaces, so seal any foundation cracks you find. Check sill plates for pest infestation or dry rot. Secure any crawlspace entrances.
7) Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. In certain cities, it is required to have a smoke detector in every room. Make sure you have extra batteries for the detectors and change them a couple times a year. A carbon monoxide detector should be installed near the furnace or water heater. Make sure the detectors work by testing them. You should get a fire extinguisher or replace one if it's older than 10 years.
8) Take care of the plumbing. You should know where the water main is incase there is an emergency and you need to shut it off. Drain all the garden hoses. If there are any exposed plumbing pipes, you should insulate them. Drain the air conditioner pipes. If the A/C has a water shut-off valve, turn it off. If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.
9) Prepare the landscape. If there are trees and branches hanging too close to the house or electrical wires, they need to be trimmed. To avoid winter damage, ask a gardener when your trees should be pruned. Seal the driveway, brick patios and wood decks. Sensitive potted plants should be moved indoors.
There are some contractors who can winterize your house for you. Winterization can also help you save money and energy. By blocking obvious leaks around the house and insulating the house, you save money on utilities.
Written By:  The Economical Partnership Network of the Delaware Valley.

There are some contractors who can winterize your house for you.  Winterization can also help you save money and energy.  By blocking obvious leaks around the house and insulating the house, you save money on utilities.