The leaves on the trees are turning and in turn reminding us that winter is on its way! Is your home ready for winter? Doing some simple tasks now can reduce your utility bills and keep problems away.
- Clean out your gutters. The leaves and debris can cause water to back up. In the fall that could cause water to overflow and instead of being diverted away from your house it could cause basement water problems. In the winter frozen water from thawing snow can cause ice dams that can cause moisture damage to your roof and interior ceiling. Running water through the gutter will also show if there are leaks that need to be fixed. Scheduling routine gutter cleaning helps ensure that your gutters remain clear, functioning efficiently, and free of any obstructions that could cause costly repairs
- Have your furnace checked. Regular maintenance of both your air conditioning and furnace will keep them running well. There is nothing worse than waking up on a cold morning and not having the furnace working! Changing the furnace filter regularly will help with utility costs since air does not circulate well through dirty filters.
- Over time, dust, debris, and allergens can accumulate in your air ducts, obstructing airflow and making your heating system work harder to maintain warmth. Scheduling regular air duct cleaning with a reliable company can improve air circulation, increase energy efficiency, and enhance indoor air quality. Similarly, cleaning your dryer vents is essential for safety and efficiency. A clogged vent not only reduces your dryer’s effectiveness but also increases the risk of fire. By incorporating air duct and dryer vent cleaning into your seasonal maintenance routine, you can ensure your HVAC system operates at its best, reduce energy costs, and keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the winter months.
- Check the weather stripping on doors and windows. Sealing gaps around doors and windows will keep cold air out and warm air in.
- If you have a wood burning fireplace be sure and have the chimney inspected. Regular cleaning can keep soot or creosol from depositing inside the chimney. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of a chimney fire. If you haven’t had your chimney inspected recently, it’s a good idea to hire professionals who specialize in this area. Regular inspections and repairs can provide peace of mind, ensuring your fireplace remains safe to use, year after year.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. This should be done once a year. Test the detectors monthly to make sure they are working properly.
- Since the days are shorter replace light bulbs with LED or ENERGY STAR bulbs which last longer and save money on your electric bills. When you are decorating for the holidays look for LED Christmas lights.
- Make sure you drain your outdoor hoses and store them in the garage for the winter. Drain any irrigation system and rain barrels that you have been using this summer. Allowing water to freeze can cause damage that you will find in the spring.
Many of these items can be done without hiring a professional. By spending some time in the fall you will enjoy the energy saving and the peace of mind knowing you are ready for the snow to fly!
Reviewed and updated, 3/2025, mg.
My family loves pie! My son, who lives on the east coast, firmly believes you can’t find a pie there that equals what you can find in the Midwest. With berry season here, you may want to consider making some extra pies now to freeze for later use.
We talked in an earlier blog post about the challenge of summer food stains but there are other stains that challenge us in the summer months. I thought we would address some of these as well.
Summer is here and we have shed our dark winter clothing for our light colored clothing. Spills and stains are inevitable but they can cause laundry challenges when it comes to stain removal. Remember the sooner that you treat the stain the easier it will be to remove. Here are some common food stains and some suggestions on how to remove them.
warm up during the days and into the evenings so I determined that it is time to take off the flannel sheets and the electric blanket! Have you ever wondered how to wash and store your electric blanket so that it is ready to use next winter? Here are some suggestions to keep it in top working condition.
