These following simple steps can help you to enjoy the winter without fear of damage to your home

As the cold weather approaches it is important to ensure your home is winter ready. There are plenty of simple ways to winterize your home without breaking the bank, with a positive effect on lowering your heating bills.

 Interior:

Inspect your furnace and replace the filter. Stock up on furnace filters and be sure to change them every month. Next, have your fire place cleaned so it will be ready for use. Screen the top of your chimney to keep out rodents and birds and store fire wood in a dry place away from the outside of your home. Inspect the mortar between bricks to make sure that your fires remain contained within the hearth. Insure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors had the battery replaced.

 Exterior:

Examine the exterior of your home for cracks and crevices that could allow cold air to seep inside. Apply weather stripping around doors and chalk windows. Homes with basements and attics are prone to cold drafts. In basements consider covering window wells with plastic wraps. When the warm weather returns you can remove the wrap.  Warm air rises so adding extra insulation to your attic will insure that warmth stays where it’s needed. These small what important steps can make a huge difference on your heating bills.

 Garden:

Prune trees and shrubs to minimize potential for damage by snow, particularly those hanging close to the home. Clear and store planter for spring, dust plant bulbs with bone meal. Drain all garden hoses and shut off outside water. Seal the driveway and deck.