As the days get shorter and the air gets crisper, it’s time to prepare your home for cold weather. Get your indoor and outdoor spaces ready with these 10 simple ideas from True Value.
Remove the old filter from the furnace, usually located on the side of the unit. Put a new one in its place. Make sure it’s facing the right way.
Get on the roof and look for lifted shingles, wood chips or shavings. These may be places where critters are trying to get in. Remove any damaged shingles and replace them with matching shingles and roofing nails.
First, make sure your ladder is on a stable, solid surface. Then remove leaves, sticks and other debris from your gutters. Rinse with a garden hose, checking for leaks and bends in the gutters. If you spot a leak, purchase a tube of gutter sealant and seal the area with a caulk gun.
Fertilizing in the fall will kick start your lawn next spring. Ask your True Value Associate about the appropriate seasonal weed and feed for your lawn and apply with a spreader. Spread on a calm day and always read the manufacturer’s directions.
Trim any tree braches hanging over you roof now to avoid breakage from snowfall during winter. Tree branches don't have to be cut too short — they usually lift away from your home once some weight is taken off.
Check all electrical outlets for proper output using a handheld electric meter. Remove each faceplate and check the integrity of the wiring, looking for missing caps or blackened wires. While checking, fill the cavities around the outlets with insulation.
Make sure your attic insulation does not cover any air vents in the eaves. This will prevent the formation of winter ice dams — and unnecessary trips to your attic or roof during the cold winter months.
Drain garden hoses for storage in the garage or shed, cover exterior spigots and make sure your sprinkler system is completely drained. This will prevent ice build-up during winter and extend the life of your hoses and sprinkler system.
Keep your home safer from fires and other accidents by changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If your devices aren’t working properly, replace them and rest easy knowing your family will be safer this winter.
Wash exterior windows and inspect any wood frames. Remove old caulk that’s shriveled or slipped away from the glass, replacing it with heavy-duty exterior window caulk. Check the rubber seal around doors and felt strips around windows and replace any damaged pieces.
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