PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM OLD MAN WINTER

As temperatures begin to dip this fall, "winterizing" your home can stop your heating bills from going through the roof. With some basic maintenance, you'll also save yourself from expensive emergencies that can accompany the cold weather.

Keep your house warmer, more energy efficient, and save some extra cash for holiday shopping!

1. Inspect the furnace

You don't want your furnace to be on the fritz in the dead of winter. Make sure it's in good working order before the cold weather hits. A strong smell is natural when you first turn the furnace on. But lingering odors can signal a problem. A heating professional can also check your furnace and make sure it's running safely, replace filters, clean the motor, and fix anything that's broken.

2. Reverse the fan

During winter, the warm air generated by your heating system rises to the ceiling while cooler air sinks. Reversing the fan direction draws the cooler air upwards, forcing the warmer air near the ceiling back down into the living space. Keeping the warm air where it's needed means you can turn the temperature down a few notches, stay comfortable, and save money.

3. Wrap the pipes

A burst pipe caused by a winter freeze can be a nightmare. Make sure all piping that runs through unheated portions of the house....crawlspaces, basements or garages....is properly kept insulated with fiberglass insulation or foam rubber sleeves, available at the hardware store. Drain you garden hoses and make sure you know exactly where the turnoff valve is for your water mains in case you need to shut it off during an emergency.

4. Deal with drafts

Inspect for drafts underneath doors and windows....it's easiest on chillier fall days. For doors, put a draft snake or rolled up towel across the bottom. If you have leaks near your windows, use weatherresistant caulk on the outside. Use masonry sealer for brick areas. You should also check for leaks where pipes and wires exit your foundation. Next, inspect ventilation ducts for cracks and separations, as vast amounts of heating can escape through gaps in the duct work.

5. Clean those gutters

Clogged gutters can cause ice dams on your roof, blocking the melting snow and causing water to seep in and damage your house. Clear the gutters of dead leaves and debris to help rain and snow drain easily.

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