How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Some of these steps require professional help - call early, as calendars get full in the weeks leading up to winter.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Batteries
• Sand
• Storm Windows
• Weather Stripping
• Rock Salt
• Snow Shovels
• Caulks
• Insulation

1. Add a second layer of insulation to your attic. R-30 insulation is considered the minimum. If your house is relatively new, it probably conforms. If not, consider adding insulation.

2. Caulk around window and door glass and trim, and all exterior trim. Install or replace weather stripping on all doors and windows. Check for cracks around pipes and electrical outlets entering or exiting the walls.

3. Install storm windows and doors if you have them. Consider purchasing storm windows if you have older windows that are not made from modern insulated glass.

4. Have your heating system checked by a licensed heating/air-conditioning professional. Most furnace manufacturers recommend at least annual inspections.

5. Check gutters and clean them if necessary. Clogged gutters can result in basement flooding when the snow melts (see 'eHow to Clean Gutters').

6. Replace any roof shingles that are missing or damaged (see 'eHow to Replace Asphalt Shingles').

7. Have your chimneys inspected by a chimney service and, if necessary, cleaned (see 'eHow to Clean Out a Fireplace and Chimney').

8. Check the foundation for areas where water may puddle.

9. Trim trees away from the house. Have dead trees and branches removed by professional tree trimmers, or do it yourself.

10. Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets.

11. Insulate any water pipes that are exposed to freezing cold.

12. Replace the batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and check to make sure these are all in working order.

13. Check fire extinguishers and charge and replace as necessary.

14. Make sure you are stocked with rock salt, sand, snow shovels and any other items you will need during the winter.