How to prep your home for winter

Fall is in full swing and winter will be here before you know it.  Now is the time to get your home winter-ready for the cold months ahead.  

Here are our tips on how to prep your home for the upcoming winter months:

Ensure Proper Home Ventilation 
During the winter when doors and windows remain shut most of the time, your home needs regular ventilation.  Make sure to turn on your bathroom fans during showers and continue to run them up to 25 minutes after.  Turn your kitchen hood fan on when you're cooking at the stove.  Many people don't regularly use these fans in their homes, but they can help your home to be well ventilated, which in turn increases energy efficiency and safety. 

Keep Sidewalks and Driveways Clear 
Never let snow and ice build up on your outdoor concrete surfaces.  In some maintenance included homes, snow and ice removal are included, but if your home doesn't include this, make sure to regularly remove snow and ice.  

Maintain Your Fireplace
A burning fire is so comforting and cozy on chilly nights.  Make sure your fire is safe and healthy by scheduling a chimney sweep to clean and inspect your fireplace before using it for the cold months.  If you have a gas fireplace, clean the glass according to manufacturers instructions. 

Drywall and paint cracks.
CGo through your home and caulk and paint any areas that have sustained minor cracks due to changes in temperature.  When summer turns to winter, large temperature fluctuations can cause small cracks in drywall. 

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