Every year, it seems that summer speeds by and comes to an end faster than the year before. If you are like me, you are left with an unfinished to-do list and unfinished projects. There never seems to be enough time to complete them all, but there are some important projects that should be addressed to help you prepare for the cooler weather and winter.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Removing leaves and debris will allow rain and melting snow to flow unimpeded off your roof and away from your foundation.
Blow Out Your Sprinkler System and Winterize Outdoor Faucets
If water remains in the lines, they can be damaged by freezing temperatures. If you have any hose bibs that are not frost-free, be sure to insulate them or shut off the water supply to them for the winter. Don’t forget to roll up the garden hoses and put them away for the winter.
Clean Up the Yard
Put away the garden tools, kids’ toys and bikes, and any outdoor furniture you don’t want buried by the snow when it comes. Fertilize the lawn and trim any tree branches that might become a problem under heavy snow.
Windows and Door
Check around the doors and windows to make sure there are no air gaps or damaged weatherstripping or caulking.
Inspect the Roof
Check for damaged or loose shingles. If you have a metal roof, check for loose screws that may have backed out.
Service your Heating System
You may consider hiring a heating and cooling technician to clean and service your furnace or heaters and make sure they are in working order. Don’t forget to change those filters! If you have a wood stove, have your chimney cleaned and inspected.
Reverse the Ceiling Fans
Reversing the direction of the ceiling fan blades helps pull air up toward the ceiling and push it down along the walls around the room. This circulates the warm air and prevents it from blowing directly down on you. This can be as simple as pressing a button on the remote or flipping a switch on the side of the ceiling fan.
Service Your Engines
Snowblowers and backup generators that have sat unused all summer—or perhaps even longer, given last year’s mild winter—should be serviced to make sure they are ready to go. Be sure to winterize any other small engines that will be sitting unused all winter so they will be ready to go in the spring.