Just because your fall cleanup is complete, doesn’t mean that your homeowner tasks are done for the year. Its true- a homeowner’s job is never done.
While it can seem like a lot of work, a small amount of time before it gets really cold outside will make your home comfortable, safe and reliably warm throughout the winter. Here are a few quick items that won’t take up your whole Sunday afternoon, but are very important.
De-Icing Salt
The icy blasts of winter are commonplace in Northfield, MN. You need to keep your sidewalks and walkways clear of snow and ice.
You’ll need a good shovel, an ice scraper and most importantly a good supply of de-icing salt or sand. Keep it nearby so that you don’t have to walk on icy ground to get to it.
To make surfaces less slick, take small steps and apply liberally in a fan shape. If you’ve got pets, make sure that you get salt that isn’t toxic to them.
It can also hurt their paws, so be mindful of that as well. These products are also necessary for outdoor plumbing.
Insulation is Very Important
If you discover that your heating bills are continuing to climb, ice dams are forming on your roof, and you have attic leaks, it is entirely possible that your home isn’t well insulated.
Most of the heat escapes your home through the walls, as opposed to windows and doors. As you probably know, heat rises.
If your attic isn’t properly insulated, that heat will rise right up and out of your home.
Inspect your attic to make sure that insulation is in good shape and that it is in place. If it is ripped or if there are leaks, the air will flow through. Same goes if it is water damaged. It’s also a good idea to make sure that there aren’t huge gaps in your attic access door frame, as heat can float through there as well.
Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Get in the habit of testing your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors twice every year to be confident that they are in good working order.
You’ll need to clean out the units themselves with a vacuum; spider webs and dust can get inside, which will create problems. Don’t forget to put in new batteries.
Don’t neglect this task. This could save your family’s life and keep your home from burning down.
Promote Air Flow
Ventilation is important in the winter because you need your home to be relatively dry in order for it to heat well. Also, having no fresh air in your home for the whole season can reduce the air quality.
If you don’t have one already, think about putting in an extractor fan in your kitchen and bathroom to draw air outside and reduce the moisture.
