As the winter season quickly approaches, make sure your home is prepared ahead of time! Here are some quick ideas to help keep the cold out, keep utility bills down, and keep your family safe!

  • Caulk around window and door glass and trim, and all exterior trim. Install or replace weather stripping on all doors and windows. Check for cracks around pipes and electrical outlets entering or exiting the walls.
  • Have your HVAC unit serviced annually by a licensed HVAC technician, and ensure that it is functioning properly.
  • Install storm windows and doors if you have them. Consider purchasing storm windows if you have older windows that are not made from modern insulated glass.
  • Check gutters and clean them if necessary.
  • Replace any roof shingles that are missing or damaged.
  • Trim trees away from the house. Have dead trees and branches removed by professional tree trimmers, or do it yourself.
  • Disconnect hoses, and drain and shut off outdoor water faucets.
  • Check fire extinguishers and charge and replace as necessary.
  • Replace the batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and check to make sure these are all in working order.
  • Make sure you have adequate supplies of rock salt, sand and snow shovels on hand!

Stay safe and warm this winter!