Homeowner's Winterization Checklist

Fireplace Inspection & Chimney Sweeping

An annual fireplace inspection and chimney sweep is an incredibly important item to cross off your winter checklist. Clogged chimneys can lead to dangerous  house fires. Assessing the flue of your fireplace will also help to ensure that you don't experience drafts when you are not using it. 

Keep the Heat On

Even if you plan on leaving for the winter, keep the heat on. No heat in the winter can lead to frozen pipes which can burst. This is a costly fix to avoid. Keeping the heat on is also an energy saver. Turning it on and off forces your heating system to bring the whole house back up to temperature.

Drain and Remove Garden Hose

When water freezes within the hose, it can risk bursting the spigot as well as the hose. To avoid this, disconnect your hose before winter arrives.

Check Windows

Keep an eye out for condensation build up in your windows. This can signify that the seals need to be replaced. It is also important to feel for drafts. Addressing these issues will help to save energy in the long run.

Remove Dead Branches

Winter can bring upon strong winds along with ice and snow build up. Remove any dead tree branches in order to eliminate the risk of damage to your property.