10 Ways to Get Your So Cal Home Ready for Winter

I know, it doesn’t feel like winter here in So Cal, but it really is! And, there are literally dozens of little home maintenance things that have to be done to get your home ready for winter. From weather stripping to battery changes, a home requires a lot of attention and if it doesn’t get it, the cost can be quite high.

Below you’ll find a list of tips for preparing your home for the winter months. Kick back with a cup of coffee (or tea if you prefer), put your feet up and read through them. Relax while you can and enjoy the peace and quiet. Then get started on your Winter home Checklist!

• Have your heating systems inspected by a qualified service professional, including lubrication and cleaning, replacing filters, a check of belts and thermostats, and having vents cleared of obstructions, as necessary.
• Caulking and new weather stripping around windows and other openings can stop the cold air invasion dead in its tracks. You’ll be warmer and the lower utility bills will give you warm fuzzies!
• If you use portable electric heater do a full check now to be sure everything is in working order. It is most likely that you’ve had it packed away for the sunny, warm summer and you don’t want to find out on the first cold night of the year that it doesn’t work!
• I know you’ve heard it a thousand times, but I’m going to say it again. Change out the smoke alarm batteries! Now’s the time to just go through and change all of them, even if they seem to be fine. This is not a place to save a few pennies. It’s one of those better safe than sorry times!
• If you don’t have them, install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of your home. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you do have them – just like the smoke alarms, change the batteries!
• Have your fireplace chimney and flue inspected and cleaned if needed before you build the first cozy fire of the season.
• Check window and door locks. We often take for granted that locks we checked at the beginning of summer are still working. Most of us are a/c fiends and haven’t had a window open all summer. Check now to be sure they are all operating properly.
• Check around the vents, skylights and chimneys for any roof leaks.
• Hire a professional to take care of those items you don’t need to be doing yourself (click here for a list of those).
• Last but not least, plan extra time for each of these tasks. Then, when you find a bit of free time on your hands, relax and enjoy the quiet of your house before the holiday crazies start!

AND – if you don’t have your decorating done yet, here (click to read) are some great tips on ways to “Deck Your Halls”.

Have something to add to the checklist? Post it in the comments below. We’re always happy to read your input and ideas. Happy Holidays!