Getting Your House and Car Ready for Winter

769 reads

By Erica Campbell on October 8, 2012, 2:54pm

Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse more stories.

Now that October is already almost half over, I believe it is time to start thinking about the cold winter months to come. I have checked my winter weather predictor (the Oak Tree outside my mother’s house in New Haven) and although she does not have many acorns this year, her neighbor does. Therefore, winter will probably be worse than last year, with more snow…but, not as bad as the one two years ago, when my Mom’s Oak Tree was LOADED with acorns. That being said, it is time to starting thinking of winterizing your home and car. Here is a list of tips to think about, BEFORE the winter snows arrive.

Winterizing Your House

Clean your gutters – Gutters that are clogged can cause ice dams, which can back water up into the walls and ceilings of your home.

Block leaks – Check all your windows, doors and even electrical outlets on the inside of your home (the best time is on a windy day). Then go outside and check your house and foundation for cracks. Make sure you seal any that you find. If there is a crack, space or hole, water can find it and heat will escape.

Check and clean your furnace – Now is the time to do this. A faulty and/or dirty furnace is one of the leading causes of carbon monoxide poisoning. Furnaces have filters…make sure yours is changed and clean.

Check and clean your chimney – Another leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning is a dirty chimney. Make sure it is cleaned out of soot and ash. Even if you do not have a fireplace, your chimney vents your furnace. Your chimney also has a liner. Make sure it is inspected by a professional to be sure it is not cracked. Have the outside inspected as well for cracks.

Check your smoke alarms and CO detectors – Nothing is more important that to have working alarms. Change the batteries as well.

Winterizing Your Car

Change your oil – Make sure your oil and filters are changed. Your car has to work harder if it is dirty. Also, make sure the correct oil is being used.

Change your wiper blades – Make sure your windshield wipers are new and in working order. You want them to be able to clear your windshield during bad weather.

Check your battery – Be sure the battery of your car is fresh and in working order. You want to be able to start your car on cold mornings. The older the battery, the harder your car has to work to start.

Check your tires/tire pressure – Your tires MUST be in good condition. They also MUST be properly inflated to ensure you’ll have the best possible traction on the road during bad weather. Remember, tires are the only things keeping your car in contact with the road.

Check your antifreeze – Make sure your antifreeze is at the correct temperature setting. Not only does it keep your car from overheating, but from freezing as well.

Have an emergency kit – Always keep an emergency kit in your car, just in case.

Charge your cell phones – Before you leave the house, make sure your cell phones are charged. If your car breaks down and won’t start, you won’t be able to charge your phone either. You want your phone working, so that you can make that call for help.