Getting Ready for Winter

Getting Ready for Winter- Some of these things are more important than others, but all are at least things to think about in the next few weeks.

1. If you don’t already have them, install Carbon Monoxide detectors. This is especially important if you have propane appliances like fireplaces and water heaters. The detectors should be installed outside all bedrooms, and at least one on each floor.
2. Check smoke detectors. Change the batteries if they are not hard wired. They should be in each bedroom and on every floor.
3. Clean your chimney. Not everyone has one, but if you do make sure it is clean before you stoke that first fire. Soot buildup can cause the chimney to not vent properly and back up. Worst-case you could have a chimney fire and no one wants that.
4. Insulate exterior pipes and faucets. It rarely gets below freezing here in Northeast Florida but we also don’t put a huge focus on these things as a result. It can be quite easy and inexpensive to get some foam to protect your pipes.

The rest of these are less serious:

5. Now is the time to put down some weed and feed. Spreading fertilizer now will help your lawn through the colder temps and shorter days. I suggest Bayer brand weed and feed, it is the only thing to have any sort of effect on my Dollar Weed crop.
6. Caulk around doors, windows and other openings. This is a fairly cheap and easy step that can keep those drafts at bay and help lower utility costs.
7. Check insulation in the attic or crawl space. Now that it isn’t 1000 degrees during the day, it shouldn’t be too bad to add some where needed.

Be very thankful if you live in the Sunshine State! Chances are we will not experience too much cold weather, no need for that snow shovel.