How to Winterize Your Home

You’ve pulled your sweaters out of mothballs & your mittens from the bottom of drawer. What about your house? Is it prepared for the cold? Our experts have boiled down your autumn to-do list to 10 easy tips!

1. Clean the gutters– once the leaves fall remove the leaves and other debris from your gutters by hand, scraper or spatula. Use a good hose rinse to see if there are any cracks in your gutters.

2. Block the leaks– Seal any leaks on the inside and outside of your home using door sweeps or caulk.

3. Insulate– Spend some money to add additional insulation to your home. You’ll get it back in the form of lower energy bills. Have at least 12 inches of insulation.

4. Service the Furnace– HVAC specialist to service every 1-2 years for approx $120.

5. Get your ducts in a row– Central heating ducts can lose up to 60% of heated air before that air reaches the vents if ductwork is not well-connected and insulated. Check your ducts in the attic and crawl space, repair places where the pipes are pinched and fix gaps with . . . . . . . duct tape!

6. Face your windows– Take down window screens and put up storm windows. Consider upgrading to new windows which will help lower your energy bills.

7. Inspect and clean the chimney– See reverse for our recommended contractors.

8. Make sure your crawl space or basement is properly vented– Keep your crawl space vents OPEN during the winter months so the space will be properly vented when it rains or snows. If you have a sump pump– make sure it is working properly and the vapor barrier is properly graded for optimal water drainage.

9. Wrap pipes and hose bibs– Install a Styrofoam cup around hose bibs and wrap all un-insulated pipes in unheated areas of your home.

10. Check alarms systems– Change batteries and check the operation of your home’s smoke detectors, carbon-monoxide detectors, and generators.

Businesses and People We Recommend For Help Winterizing Your Home

Gutter Cleaning

CJ’s High Climbing Services 503-228-9278

Metro Gutter Service 503-771-5529

Chimney Repair/ Inspections

Oregon Chimney 503-231-2588

Paramount Masonry 503-260-3911

Drainage Contractor

John’s Waterproofing 800-810-5883

HVAC Specialist

AAA Heating and Cooling 503-284-2173

Ron Hardy Heating 503-222-9654

Insulation Contractor

All Weatherization 503-649-6542

Alpha Energy Savers 503-658-2212

Tree Trimming

Rich’s Tree Service 503-465-2133

Wind Thin Tree Services– 503-481-4628

Window Installer

Alpha Energy Savers 503-658-2212

Oregon Window Installers– 503-829-8117

December 7, 2009 · Filed Under Real Estate, Uncategorized

Comments

Leave a Reply