Beyond Sprinkler Blowouts: 10 Additional Winterization Tips for Your Home
If you own a property in Boise, you’re probably well aware of the importance of winterizing your sprinklers. Almost everyone knows that blowing out the sprinkler system is critical to avoid costly freeze damage during the winter. But that’s just the start of prepping your home for the cold season. Here are 10 additional winterization tips that often get overlooked but can make a big difference in protecting your home and saving you money.
1. Disconnect and Drain Garden Hoses
Leaving hoses connected to outdoor faucets can trap water inside, leading to frozen and burst pipes. Be sure to disconnect and store your hoses to prevent damage.
2. Insulate Outdoor Faucets
Don’t stop at the hoses—protect your outdoor faucets, too. Use faucet covers or foam insulation to keep the cold out and avoid freezing in the pipes that lead to your home.
3. Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up
Your furnace will be working overtime during the winter, so make sure it’s running efficiently. Schedule a professional inspection, and change the filters to keep the air flowing smoothly.
4. Seal Drafts Around Doors and Windows
Even a small draft can lead to higher heating bills. Inspect windows and doors for any gaps and seal them up with caulking or weatherstripping to keep warm air inside where it belongs.
5. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clear out leaves and debris from your gutters to prevent ice dams, which can cause water to back up under your roof and into your walls. It’s a small chore that can save you big headaches.
6. Check Roof and Attic Insulation
Take a look at your roof before winter hits to ensure it’s in good shape. Also, check that your attic is well insulated to prevent heat from escaping and ice from building up.
7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With furnaces and fireplaces in heavy use, it’s crucial to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. Test them and replace the batteries if needed.
8. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Heavy snow and ice can weigh down branches, causing them to break and potentially damage your home or vehicles. A quick trim now can help prevent costly damage later.
9. Prepare Outdoor Furniture
Snow and freezing temperatures can damage your patio furniture, grills, and other outdoor equipment. Store them away or cover them with weather-resistant tarps to keep them safe.
10. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Many people forget this trick, but by setting your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in the winter, you can push warm air down from the ceiling, keeping rooms warmer without cranking up the heat.