Fall will soon be coming to an end and winter will be here before we know it. The cold winter months in Idaho can get pretty brutal, and if you are not prepared for the drop in temperature it can really take a toll on the foundation of your home. Pipes can freeze over and crack, and if you are overusing your home’s heating system, there is a possibility for the home’s interior to dry out. Don’t worry too much, implement these checklist items into your end of fall to-do list to get your home ready for the harsh winter.
Check Your Air Heating System
You should consider checking and changing your filters so the heat can work efficiently without any problems. The Washington Post recommends checking your heater in the fall months so you can figure out the problems that need fixing for the cold weather.
Cleaning Your Fireplace
We all know that the fireplace is where we feel most cozy and comfortable during the winter time. Make sure you are ordering enough firewood to sustain your fireplace usage. If your fireplace runs on gas, make sure you have reconnected the gas lines so it works correctly.
If there are tree limbs or leaves near your chimney, make sure to clear them off. This can reduce bird debris and the chance of having a clogged chimney.
Drain Your Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets can cause severe damage if they are not properly shut down by a professional before winter. If you want to start draining them yourself, simply turn off the water supply valve. After removing the outside hoses, turn the faucet fully on until it slowly slops to a slow drip. Once the drip stops, turn it tightly back off. To further protect your faucet from snow over multiple months, you can look into purchasing an insulation cover.
Snow Removal
Before winter hits, take note of if you have a proper shovel and enough salt to cover both your driveway, walkway, and sidewalk. If you have a snowblower, test it out and make sure you have enough fuel to last throughout the season. You don’t want to be stuck with no tools as soon as the first snowstorm hits afterall.
Ceiling Fans
If your ceiling fans have a reverse switch, it can allow you to save on your heating bill and keep your thermostat a few degrees cooler than normal. It has been shown that fans spinning clockwise will push hot air downward, keeping you toasty warm even during the winter. Just don’t forget to switch the direction back to counterclockwise once the weather warms up again.
Check Your rooftops
Checking the condition of your rooftop is crucial before the cold hits. Missing or loose roof shingles can not only be a bit pricey to have professionally fixed but they can also allow snow or water to leak through into your home. This can cause water damage, and once the liquids freeze, they can expand and cause further damage to both the interior and exterior of your home.
Outside Maintenance
Concrete flatworks are known to develop cracks over time. These cracks will attract water, which can freeze and cause further damage. You can help prevent these cracks by applying a concrete sealer to all flat outside surfaces. The sealer will make sure any cracks are sealed up and can stop any water from getting in.
If you want to be extra cautious with your asphalt driveway you can either hire someone to spray a coat layer of sealer or you can make it a do it yourself project. You can purchase a bucket of sealer and roll it yourself to fill in any cracks.
Bring On the Cold
At Idaho Reverse Mortgage, we want to make sure you spend this winter making memories in the home that you love, and that could include applying for a reverse mortgage! Contact us for any questions you may have or more information on how you might qualify today.
