Smart Cents

Preparing your home for winter might seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of planning and organization, it can become an enjoyable autumn project rather than a dreaded chore. By breaking down a long list of winterizing tasks into smaller, manageable steps throughout the fall season, you not only reduce stress but also ensure that your home is well-prepared before the chill sets in. Taking advantage of the relatively warm weekends allows you to focus on seasonal maintenance with ease while enjoying the beauty of fall.

Before the cold weather fully sets in, consider tackling these outdoor tasks:

• Fertilize lawns and flowerbeds
•  Add caulk or weather stripping around windows and doors
• Check insulation and add more or replace as needed
• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Winterize sprinkler/irrigation systems and outside faucets
• Clean the outside of your windows
• Spray the perimeter of your house for spiders and other pests that might move into your warm home

Then, as the days grow shorter and the home heating systems begin to kick in, shift your focus indoors with these essential preparations:

• Wash your interior windows
• Cover drafty windows using a window insulator kit which is easy to use and very inexpensive 
• Adjust thermostat temperatures to be lower when you aren’t home and during the night
• Get your home heating system regularly serviced and remember to change filters as needed
• Open blinds during the day to let in natural light and warmth and close at night to help keep the warm air inside.
• Reverse ceiling fans to rotate clockwise, pushing hot air down
• If you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace or pellet stove, clean and check the chimney for any blockages
• Check fire extinguishers, along with smoke and carbon monoxide monitors

By knocking out these routine maintenance tasks, you're not just keeping your home warm and cozy—you'll also be saving a pretty penny on energy bills and steering clear of those unexpected repair costs. Getting your home ready for winter is really all about starting early and breaking it down into bite-sized tasks. So, as you embrace the season, remember that a little planning now means a worry-free, comfortable winter is just around the corner. Happy prepping!