Welcome to the final instalment of Winterizing Your Home! In Parts I and II we talked about preparing your home heating system, air conditioning, roof, plumbing, chimney, fireplace and insulation for the colder winter months to come. Be sure to get these next simple suggestions added to your list as winter is just around the corner!

 

Windows and Doors

Reducing infiltration of cold air from leaks around windows and doors is one of the easiest ways to reduce your winter heating bills!

Windows

• On a windy day close your windows and feel for air leaks. It can be
  helpful to burn an incense and if the smoke trail becomes anything but vertical
  you have a leak.
• Places to look for leaks- at the edges where the window is hinged, slides
  or meets another unit.
• Plastic can be taped over the windows, but a less costly solution
  that looks better is to use rope caulk weatherstripping. Press the rope caulk
  into all the joints where air is leaking.

Doors

• Check if your doors already have weatherstripping and check for
  leaks along the sides, tops and bottoms of the doors.
• Install weatherstripping where it is needed.

 

Sprinkler System

Don’t overlook this one when winterizing your property!

• This should be done before the end of October.
• Turn the water supply off and blow compressed air through the
  sprinkler lines to clear them of water to prevent freezing and bursting when
  the temperature drops.

 

Landscape and Amenities

Lastly you’ll want to get your yard ready for winter; doing so will save money on expenses in the spring because your outdoor amenities will have been protected!

• Cover patio furniture and if possible store in a shed, garage or basement.
• If your deck needs it, consider giving it a fresh coat of sealer.
• Drain gas from your lawn mower or you can just let it run until it’s out of gas.
• Drain any water fountains and unplug the pumps.

 

When your home and property are properly prepared for the winter months to come, you can rest at ease when the cold weather arrives. It’s important to transition your home between changing seasons and invest a little to avoid sudden big expenses that can sneak right up on you!

Just can’t stress this enough,  your home is your castle and investing some extra time and engery in it, you know you have the “pick of the crop.”

 

www.liveinstalbert.com

 

Anna Bayne
Associate | REALTOR®
Your St. Albert/North Edmonton  Area Specialist!

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!