Homeowner Fall Checklist

Preparing your home for winter is key to preventing damage and keeping it cozy. Here's a streamlined version of the essential steps:

Tend to Tree Branches:

◯ Prune branches overhanging your home to avoid roof damage from heavy snow or ice-laden branches.

◯ Use a roof rake to remove fallen branches or debris.

Safeguard Exterior Spigots:

◯ Disconnect and drain garden hoses after use to prevent frozen pipes.

◯ Shut off the valve inside the house for additional protection against freezing.

Clear Out Rain Gutters:

◯ Clean gutters to prevent ice buildup and roof runoff damage. Use a trowel or hose to remove debris.

Winterize Your Irrigation System:

◯ Drain your sprinkler system or use compressed air if required, following manufacturer instructions, to prevent pipe bursts.

Winterize Your Yard Care Equipment (Mowers, Trimmers, Pressure Washer:

◯ Drain all water from the pump and apply antifreeze to protect it over the winter.

◯ Run all gas-powered equipment until the fuel is gone. Alternatively, add fuel stabilizer and run until you are sure treated fuel has reached the carburetor.

Protect the A/C Compressor:

◯ Place plywood over the unit to protect it from icicles but avoid wrapping it completely.

Reverse Ceiling Fan Blades:

◯ Set your fan blades to rotate clockwise to push warm air down, enhancing comfort during colder months.

Change batteries in Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors

◯ A good practice is to change batteries whenever there is a time change in the spring and the fall.

◯ Clean the dust off all detectors (compressed air works great)

Check Emergency Generator

◯ If you have an Emergency Power Generator, test it now and make sure it has sufficient fuel. If it hasn't been used for some time, run until the fuel tank is empty, fill with fresh fuel and add fuel stabilizer (gasoline powered only)

Taking these steps now can prevent costly repairs later and keep your home safe and warm all winter long!