1. Clean Your Gutters
Clean out the leaves and debris in your gutter
(I suggest wearing cleaning gloves if you're
planning on doing it by hand). Clogged gutters
can cost you thousands of dollars if not done.
The water will find a way to get into your wall
and ceiling. Nobody is a fan of cleaning gutters,
but we all have to do it. Get rid of leaves, twigs,
and whatever else decided to land up there.
Once clean run water down the gutters. Check for leaks
and make sure that the water is running through
the downspouts. The water is supposed to flow
away from the house's foundation, so it doesn't
cause flooding and damage.
2. Block Air Leaks
Air Leaks are also known as "Drafts". Walk around the
house and try to feel where the cold air is coming from.
You'll be able to feel it around windows and doors.
The most significant air leaks will be in your
basement and attic(since most people forget about them).
Common Air Leaks
*Behind Knee Walls
*Attic Hatch
*Wiring Holes
*Plumbing Vent
*Open Soffit
*Recessed Light
*Furnace Flue or Duct Chaseways, the hollow box or wall
feature that hides ducts
*Basement Rim Joists, where the foundation meets the
wood framing
*Windows and Doors
Make sure you block all of these and your home
will be easier to keep warm. Your gas bill should
also drop.
3. Insulate
Yes it will cost a little bit, but it will save you
money in the long run. Adding insulation will pay
for itself when it reduces utility bills.
http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/adding-insulation-existing-home
4. Check The Furnace
Don't wait till it's really cold outside to turn on your
furnace. Check it now, make sure it's working.
It's natural for it to smell when you fire it up
for the first time this season. Open your windows
and let the house breath. If the smell lasts a long time
turn off the furnace and call a professional.
-Change your furnace filters regularly throughout Winter
5. Check Your Ducts
Check for loose connections and joints that have come
apart. Look for rips or tears, or crushed ducts.
Make sure to also clean and inspect your vents around
the area it enters the room.
6. Storm Windows
Take down your Screen Window, or side it to the side
depending on what type of windows you have. Then put in
or slide your Storm Windows. Simple, it should only
take a few minutes per window.
7. Check Chimney
Use a flashlight, check for leaves, sticks, debris, or
dead animals. If it seems extremely dirty call a
professional. Chimney caps with screens keep animals,
and debris from falling in, I suggest you invest in one.
8. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Appreciate your ceiling fan. Your fan has a reverse
button right by the blades. In Summer time your fan
should rotate Counterclockwise, which produces a cool
breeze. In Winter time, rotate Clockwise, it will
bring down the warm air that naturally rises to the top.
9. Wrap Outside Pipes
Wrap outside pipes with tubular sleeves or fiberglass
insulation. Make sure you cover the sillcock. Turn off
the water, then remove your hose(put it away). Then
cover it with a towel, tie it around. Or purchase a
sillcock cover for the Winter.
10. Turn Off Valves To Sillcocks
Even though you've already wrapped it for Winter,
you should still shut off the valve.
11. Check Alarms
Change the batteries in your smoke alarms, make
sure it's working properly.
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