Winter Checklist Tips from Your Trusted Home Service Experts

Well, it’s that time of year again. Time to put on a pot of hot cocoa, get the first fire of the season roaring, and pull out all the warm winter clothes that have been hibernating over the summer.

It also means it’s time for your winter home maintenance checklist, which is all about making sure your family stays warm and safe in the cold. To help get you started with your winter chores, here's a list of must-do tasks that you should take care of as soon as possible, and certainly before the real cold, ice, and snow arrive.

Make Sure All Your Ventilation Systems Are Clear

There are a few different ventilation systems in your house, including the HVAC duct system that pulls cool air from the house, brings it to the furnace, and then returns warm air to the house, as well as the air intake and exhaust vents that keep air moving in and out.

To make sure the HVAC ventilation is working as it should (and to make your furnace more efficient), have your heating system inspected by an HVAC professional before the real cold snaps hit here in Sun Prairie, WI. Throughout the winter, you should also make sure that intake and exhaust vents stay clear of ice and snow, and change or clean your furnace filters every one to three months.

Attend to Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These devices save lives, but you have to take care of them properly. Maintaining smoke and CO detectors isn't onerous or difficult: it just requires dedication. Here's what you have to do: test them monthly and change the batteries every year.

That’s it! If you don’t remember the last time the batteries got changed, do yourself a favor and change them now just in case.

Bolster Your Insulation

Insulation is what keeps warm air in your house and cold air out, and you can improve the efficiency of your home and save money by installing more insulation. Here are some simple steps to help out your furnace and your wallet this winter:

• Install weather stripping around doors and windows.
• Install heavy-duty plastic sheeting over drafty windows.
• Add extra insulation to exterior walls.
• Weatherstrip around vents, fans, and any other access point where air can escape.
• Wrap your water lines with insulating foam to prevent frozen pipes.
• Insulate your attic and basement or crawlspace.

Make Sure You’ve Got Shovels and Salt

De-icing salt keeps your walkways clear and free of ice, and this will prevent family, friends, neighbors, visitors, and the mail carrier from slipping on your property.

Before the first big snowfall, head out to the hardware store and stock up on ice for your driveway, walkway, sidewalks, and outdoor plumbing. Also, while you're at it, pick up an extra snow shovel if you only have one at home.

These simple tips will help make your winter warmer, safer, and more affordable. Keeping your ventilation systems in good working order will keep fresh air moving and prevent moisture from building up inside.

Insulating the house will make the place warmer and save you money on heating bills, testing the CO and smoke alarms will alert you to danger in an emergency, and stocking up on ice will ensure your walkways don’t become ice rinks.

All the fun winter activities are just around the corner, so get going on this winter checklist now so you can enjoy the snow later.