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Do you actually use check lists? You know, the kind you commit to paper or a computer screen loaded with all kinds of tasks you’ve come up with for yourself either to handle directly or delegate to others? Or are you of the mental checklist type?
Well, when it comes to preparing your home for winter, we strongly recommend the written variety, but only if you actually intend to refer to it and check things off once they’re completed. Otherwise, developing the list in the first place is pretty much a wasted task.
Hang on, folks, there’s a third possibility here, i.e., the kind of person who researches other peoples’ lists until they find one that suits them. Hey, nothing wrong with that approach provided you trust the source!
Take it from GBT Heating & Cooling: what follows is a list of winter preparation tips from people (that would be us!) who make a living helping others cope with winter just as comfortably and safely as possible.
Keep warm air indoors by sealing any cracks around your windows and doors.
Fix any lingering water leaks, including those in outside faucets.
Flush out your water heater to remove sediment; in the process, you’re help to prolong its lifespan and increase its efficiency at the same time. If your water heater is more than 1older than 10 years, consider upgrading to a new, more energy efficient model.
Set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees for optimum performance and safety.
Insulate water pipes in unheated areas like the basement or garage to prevent them from freezing.
Inspect and clean your home’s sump pump and pit to prevent freezing and pump failure.
Disconnect and drain garden hoses and store them for the winter.
Close interior shut off valves that lead to outside faucets.
Remove debris from down spouts and shutters and check your roof for missing or loose shingles.
Seal driveway cracks before the snow causes more damage.
Keep wind, debris, and critters out of your garage by making sure the garage door seal is intact.
Stock your garage or shed with fall and winter essentials like rakes, shovels, deicer and rock salt.
Here’s how we can help: contact GBT today for heating system preventative maintenance. It’s an essential means to ensure problem-free performance this winter, lower energy bills, added safety, and cleaner indoor air. Plus, with an annual heating system cleaning and inspection, you can look forward to a longer system lifespan, too.