Winter’s Coming and it’s time to make your home ready for it. Before you turn on any type of heat make sure you have completed this list! Now is the time to make sure your home is ready so you and your family are ready for winter.

Heating System Checked

If you have a furnace or HVAC you really should call a professional to have it inspected. It’s easy to think you can save and skip it but it’s the same as keeping your car tuned-up. Professional maintenance is a lot more than just a look-over that can be easily overlooked. Proper care ensures your system gains a lot of crucial benefits that aim to keep your heating costs (and stress level) much lower when the cold kicks in.

If you insist only calling a technician unless it is broken then be sure to take these steps.

• Change any Filters
• Check to ensure that your thermostat is set in the HEAT position.
• Confirm the temperature setting on the thermostat is set HIGHER than the current indoor temperature.
• Ensure that there’s power going to the furnace:
• Try turning the fan to “ON” on the thermostat to test that the furnace has power.
• If nothing happens, reset the breakers on your electrical panel, especially if the thermostat is showing a blank reading.

Is there any air coming out of your vents?

• Check all of your return air grilles and registers. Make sure furniture is not blocking them and they are open and blowing air.

Chimney Sweep

Just like your furnace if you have a wood-burning fireplace make sure you call a chimney sweep. At least make sure your fireplace, chimney, and vents are clear of any debris.

Check Your Alarms

Another important thing to keep your family safe is making sure your Smoke Alarms are working and replaced after 5 years. It also a great idea to add some Carbon Monoxide detectors if you don’t have them all ready.

Check Your Roof & Make Sure Your Gutters Are Cleaned Out

Check for any damage, leaks, or missing shingles. Also, make sure the leaves are clogging your gutters up and they are working properly. This can be critical for preventing water damage during the winter that can be very costly. Consider gutter protection to protect your gutters from clogging and lowering the maintenance. Make sure your downspouts is diverting water at least 3 to 4 feet away from your foundation.

Turn Off and Drain Exterior Faucets

Outside faucets that still have water or left on can freeze and cause busted pipes and a great deal of damage. Disconnect all garden hoses and drain any faucets.

Insulation

Make sure your attic has properly insulated a minimum of 12 inches. All air ducts are sealed and any cracks covered.

Windows & Doors

Do you see gaps between the door and window frames? If they are bigger then the width of a nickel you should apply exterior caulk for windows. Doors you can add something to the bottom of your door to prevent air coming in. If you have very old windows consider replacing them with energy-efficient windows that will pay for themselves in the long run.

If you would like to have someone come by and check your home in North Carolina for windows, doors, gutters, gutter protection, insulation or roofing needs give us a call at Wize Home Direct 828-212-0580.