With the change in seasons comes a reminder to prepare our houses for colder weather, especially here in New England. The last thing you want is to wake up on a freezing morning with no heat or come home to burst water pipe. We’ve rounded up some of the best recommendations to set you up for winter. While the list may seem daunting, take it one step at a time. And if you need a vendor recommendation to assist with anything, give us a call or shoot us an email! We have an extensive database of trusted vendors.

Check & Prepare Your Systems

1. Service your heating system. For high-efficiency systems, PVC vent pipes need to be cleared of any obstructions. Boiler systems should be professionally cleaned every year and gas systems require a cleaning about every three years.

2. Check your fuel supplies to ensure you have enough for heating.

3. Don’t forget about your chimney! Get it cleaned and checked for any cracks or debris, such as leaves and birds nests that could become a fire hazard.

4. Protect the air conditioning. The condensing unit is built to withstand outdoor elements, but could benefit from a sheet of plywood held down by bricks to protect it from falling icicles or debris.

5. Test your sump pump by slowly pouring a few gallons of water into the pit to ensure it turns on. Sump pumps typically last about 10 years.

6. Check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (it would be prudent to check these monthly!) if they aren’t hard-wired.

7. Insulate pipes near windows, doors and in unheated spaces of the home to prevent burst pipes. Keep your heat set no lower than 55 degrees.

Tackle Some Exterior maintenance

1. Paint, caulk & seal exterior surfaces to prevent damage or air leaks.

2. Schedule raking and removal of leaves from lawns, driveways, roofs & gutters.

3. Seal masonry and hard surfaces.

4. Check the roof for any loose or missing shingles. Clear debris form any flat portions of the roof.

5. Schedule a date to shut down your pool.

6. Schedule a date to drain exterior pipes/faucets and shut down irrigation systems. Keep these valves clearly marked for future use!

7. Cover or store outdoor furniture.

8. Stock up on supplies for snow and ice removal and confirm your plowing schedule or contract.

9. Mark your driveway for the snow plow or snowblower.

10. Check your trees for weak or dead limbs that should be removed. Pruning and shaping of trees should wait until late winter.

Don’t Forget About Inside Prep…

1. After getting their work done all summer long, give those ceiling fans a rest and reverse their direction.

2. Have a power backup for your cell phone and other essential electronics. Make sure it’s charged!

3. Protect your entryway floors from snow, ice, ice melt and mud by laying down door mats and boot trays.

4. Store seasonal tools in sensible locations - move the shovels and snow blower to the front of the garage and the gardening tools to the back.

5. Install storm windows and doors, especially for older single-pane windows, to reduce heat loss from inside the home.

6. Keep your emergency phone numbers handy, along with the utility company hotlines.

7. Consider preparing a 5-day emergency kit in case of prolonged loss of power or getting snowed in during a blizzard.