Leaves have largely fallen off the trees, temperatures continue to drop and the first flakes of the year have fallen. Winter is definitely moving in fast. That means that now is the time to make sure that your home is fully prepared and winterized for the season ahead. Here are five major areas to check to get ready for the blustery months ahead.
Check for Drafts
Keeping your home warm can be tough if cold air is getting in. Take some incense – or, if you smoke, a lit cigarette – and place it near areas where cold air might sneak in, like around windows or doors. If the smoke is being blown, you have a draft. Check seals around doors and windows and work to make sure these spaces are airtight before winter fully sets in.
Clean Chimney
It can be very easy for chimneys to accumulate a buildup of ash, creosote and other materials on their interior walls. This can create a blockage that allows smoke to blow back into the home, creating quite a small – and a mess. Plus, if your chimney is especially blocked, it could be a serious fire hazard, especially since creosote is highly flammable. Before you light your fireplace or furnace to keep warm this winter, inspect your chimney and hire a chimney sweep, if needed.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Reversing your ceiling fans is a smart move during the winter months. Normally you have your fans blowing downward, working to help make you feel cooler. In the winter, though, you want to create an updraft to help circulate the rising warm air back down into the room. Switching your fans’ direction will help keep heat in your living space instead of at the ceiling, and can even save you money as you won’t have to keep turning up the heat to stay warm.
Check Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Detectors
We’re all inside more during winter, and with wood- and gas-burning appliances operating more at this time of year, you should make it a point to check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. A stray spark from your fireplace could lead to a fire without you realizing it, or a break in your gas-burning exhaust line could allow odorless carbon monoxide into your home, so making sure these detectors are powered and working properly is key to protecting you and your family during the season you’re at home the most.
Clean Gutters
Last, no fall prep list would be complete without mentioning the gutters. As the leaves fall off the trees, a majority end up on the ground, but still more will end up in your gutter, along with small twigs, sticks and other debris. By cleaning out your gutters, you can ensure proper drainage of snow melt throughout the season and avoid ice buildups that could end up damaging your gutters or even the roofing of your home.
All of this can seem like a lot of work, so let Alaska Premier Gutters help. We offer professional gutter cleaning services to take care of clearing away anything that has found its way into your gutters to ensure they’re functioning as they should all year long. For more information or to book an appointment, call us at 907-272-2337 or 907-244-1338 today!