As the temperature drops, it is very important to winterize your home. According to Paul Bianchina of Inman News, there are ten necessary items on the winter checklist in order to prepare your home for the season.
1) Check smoke detectors: Take time to count your smoke detectors and to change the batteries.
2) Install a carbon-monoxide detector: Chances for carbon-monoxide poisoning increases during the winter months as houses are kept closed.
3) Service your heating system: You should perform a complete system check annually looking for worn belts or other servicing needs.
4) Upgrade your thermostat: If your current thermostat is off by even a couple of degrees, it could result in substantial wasted energy.
5) Trim trees: Winter is prime time for wind storms. Have a professional tree-trimming service inspect the condition of overhanging limbs and safely cut them back as needed.
6) Check the gutters: Clear gutters of leaf and pine needle debris and make sure the opening from the gutter to the downspout is unobstructed.
7) Break out the caulk: Caulking around windows, doors, pipes and exterior outlets can make a huge difference in your heating bills.
8 ) Drain Sprinkler systems: This is also time to shut off outdoor faucets and install freeze-proof faucet covers. 9) Adjust exterior grade: Make sure that everything slopes away from your home's foundation to avoid problems with groundwater.
10) Change light timers: If you have exterior lights with timer settings, adjust the times to account for winter darkness.