TIME TO WINTERIZE YOUR HOME
Protect yourself and your property, as well as save some money this winter! Now is the time to start planning for things that can make a difference.
Have Your Furnace Serviced
Efficiency is a key to proper furnace operation, not to mention safety. Basic flue and chimney cleaning, filter change, repairs and maintenance adjustments are worth the effort. The same idea applies to other gas heating appliances, pellet stoves, woodstoves and even wood burning fireplaces. If you have not had a professional look at your heating and cooling equipment this year, now may be a good time. This is an energy conservation and health issue.
Windows and Leaks
If you have window or door screens take them down and install the storm windows. If you have older leaking windows, you may want to add plastic sheeting to the interior for a reduction in heat loss and cold air infiltration. Remember that your bedroom windows are partly there for emergency escape, even for little children, so be sure they still fully open easily. Weather-strip, caulk and plug leaks between your heated living space and the outdoors and interior unheated spaces.
Insulation
Add insulation to areas that are under insulated, or have none. Unfortunately, vermin enjoy removing insulation in crawl space areas so inspecting to see if things are as they should be is a good idea too.
Wrap Your Water Pipes and Heat Ducts
Wrap your water pipes and heat ducts in unheated spaces such as your garage or crawl space. Almost anything you get from the hardware store is better than doing nothing, but the 1” thick snap-on type foam insulation is easiest for pipes. As it gets colder outside remember to shut-off outside faucets and cover them. Most furnace heat loss is through leaky and/or uninsulated ducts. Having your heat ducts in unheated spaces properly sealed and insulated may make a noticeable difference. Don’t risk a burst water pipe or waste money on lost furnace heat.
Clean Your Gutters
This has to be one of the worst jobs ever invented, but in our area, it can really pay off by helping to take water away from your house. Wet crawl spaces, insects and rotting wood (your house!) can be the result of clogged drainage systems. If your downspouts are not connected to anything there is a chance the rain water is running back into your home, or maybe someone else’s! Remember – ladders are very dangerous, so please be careful.
And of course…
Check your smoke detectors. “Smoke alarms” should be replaced every 10 years. Test them and replace the batteries regularly. Don’t have a fire extinguisher? Get one! Installing a carbon monoxide detector is a very good idea too.
Of course this is just a short list of some items that you may want to consider to prepare your home for this fall and winter. To discuss the details or other ideas related to winterizing your home and property please feel free to contact the City Building Official, Steve Wilcox, at mpsseattle@hotmail.com