Freezing weather is here…so much for the “summer” days we’ve been enjoying. Is your home prepped for survival this winter? Both the energy-efficiency and physical survival of a home can be sorely tested in the colder months. Items such as downspouts and gutters should be clear of leaves. Window wells are a big collector of leaves etc. and should be covered with window well covers. I can’t tell you how many times I see homes with water trouble in the basement and no window well covers, which are about $2 at Home Depot. Melting snow can also be a problem here, so be sure to cover those openings up. Also be sure to drain all water out of any hoses or hosebibs around the house, and store whatever you can indoors to avoid damage.

Winter is the time for energy to be sucked out of the house. To stop that, be sure that all doors and windows are weatherized. Use weatherstrip from Home Depot or Lowes and stretch the plastic film if you have really old windows that “the wind blows right through”. A space for heat to create a barrier is essential, as most gas-filled windows now do. The chimney is another big source of heat loss, the biggest according to some home performance specialists. Keep that flue closed (if no fire)! If left open, heat rises up and out of your house so fast you can easily feel it with your hand. If you have any vents to the outside (dryer, range hood, etc.) check to be sure they are as sealed as you can get them without blocking their function. Heat will escape and cold will infiltrate wherever you don’t take the time to seal up. Remember, it’s war! Don’t let your energy dollars blow away or your home be damaged by old man winter.

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