Time for that winter check up : Rooftop Views

Rooftop Views

Time for that winter check up

Don't you just love fall? The temperature is perfect, the changing colors are beautiful. It's a great time to enjoy life.

But you know winter is just around the corner. It's time to do a checkup on the house and make sure everything is in tip top shape before the snow flies. Here are a few tips:

1. Check for adequate insulation in both the basement and/or crawlspace. Make sure there are no broken or leaking basement windows where heat can escape.

2. Caulk, caulk and more caulk. Check around doors, windows and any other openings for leaks. A little caulk can save you big $$ in heating bills.

3. Check for roof problems. Clean out the gutters (wait til after the leaves fall). Check for cracked shingles and roof leaks. Check around your chimney for any leaks or cracks as well.

4. Put some light on your electrical lighting. Make sure all your outdoor bulbs are working and check to make sure there aren't any leaks in outdoor fixtures. If you have a "tripping" problem with any breakers, do yourself a favor and get an electrician out to check on the problem. You don't want that furnace breaker tripping during a snow storm.

5. Water leaks can be dangerous. Make sure you blow out your sprinkler system. Put your hoses inside the garage or shed (blow out the water first) and make double sure the hose bib isn't leaking. Put a blanket around your hot water heater - this will save you more money than you can imagine - and insulate any other water pipes that might freeze.

6. Put your HVAC to bed. Air conditioners like a nice cover for the winter. At the same time, have your furnace cleaned and certified. Carbon monxide leaks are deadly so install carbon monoxide detectors.

It'll take a couple days out of your beautiful fall to do these things, but you'll appreciate it in the dead of winter.