How to Prepare Your Home for the Winter

The winter months can be difficult for homeowners as they face increased utility usage and weather conditions that can cause damage to the home.  Kiplinger.com recently posted a slideshow advising of 15 ways to prepare your home for the winter.  Their suggestions include:

·      Tune up your heating system

·      Reverse your ceiling fan

·      Steps to prevent ice dams

·      Check your roof for damaged, loose, or missing shingles

·      Caulk around windows and doors

·      Clean the gutters

·      Divert water

·      Turn off exterior faucets

·      Drain your lawn – irrigation system

·      Mulch leaves when you mow

·      Prepare your mower for winter storage

·      Wait until late winter to prune trees and shrubs

·      Test your sump pumps

·      Clean chimney and vents

To view Kiplinger’s entire slide show: http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/real-estate/T029-S001-12-ways-to-prepare-your-home-for-winter/index.html