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Tips For Preparing Your Home This Winter
Sure, winter in California is not the punishing, frigid season it is in other parts of the country. Still, temperatures do drop here as well, so here are a few common-sense tips that can help your home endure the colder days and nights to come.
Check the Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, this is the season where it will be used most often. A thorough cleaning now (yes, there are still chimney sweeps!) can avoid issues caused when too much soot builds up. Also, make sure the damper opens and closes as it should, and screen the top to protect against unwanted visitors – like mice and birds.
Check the Doors and Windows
Repair or replace any damaged weather-stripping materials so cold air stays outside where it belongs. Storm windows offer another layer of insulation.
Check the Furnace
Buy replacement filters before you need them, and consider a professional furnace inspection if it’s been awhile.
Check the Plumbing
Insulate exposed pipes (you can use a rubber sleeve sold at a home improvement store, or wrap the pipe in a towel).
Check Your Landscaping
Trim or prune any trees that don’t like the colder weather. Bring outdoor potted plans inside the house. Seal any cracks in your driveway and patio.
Check your Preparedness
These precautions may not be winter-specific, but as long as you’re focused on home improvement, this is also a good time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector.
Since manufactured homes from Ma Williams are designed with additional insulation and other energy savings to reduce your maintenance costs, these simple tasks should be all you’ll need to do to prepare your home for winter.
