what do you do to winterize your house? (Denver: living, store)

[treedonkey]

I close the windows, change the heater filters, put and extra blanket on the bed, and re-light the pilot light for the gas fireplace. oh yeah, and drain the hoses.

[formercalifornian]

I like this thread. It's added a few new items to my fall to-do list. Another thing that struck me is checking your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors before kicking on the heater for the season. Also, clear your gutters once the leaves are off the trees.

[denverian]

Shut the windows and turn on the heat!

I guess we do a few things - blow out sprinklers, disconnect hoses, I guess that's it.

As for gardening, I trim back perennials to the ground and pull out the dead annuals after the first hard freeze so I don't have to worry about it in Spring. I think I'll wash my parka and jackets too. I only use the parka for walking the dog when it's really cold, not for work (when I had a job!) or just running to the store.

[denver_hacker]

Originally Posted by denverian

As for gardening, I trim back perennials to the ground and pull out the dead annuals after the first hard freeze so I don't have to worry about it in Spring.

Funny, I generally leave them alone until Spring so I have something to look at in the Winter...

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by SheridanL

Don't forget to winterize your car.

How do you do that?

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

How do you do that?

Maybe top off wiper fluid, replace wiper blades, replace tires if they're getting anywhere close to worn or switch to winter tires/wheels, test battery, etc?

[Katarina Witt]

As you can see, ebeth79, there are many differences of opinion on how to "winterize". I think the major point is to disconnect the outdoor sources of water. Everything else is pretty much optional.

[denverian]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

How do you do that?

Roll up the windows and turn on the heat - same as for the house

[denverian]

Originally Posted by Katiana

As you can see, ebeth79, there are many differences of opinion on how to "winterize". I think the major point is to disconnect the outdoor sources of water. Everything else is pretty much optional.

True - not paying attention to your outdoor water sources can cost you money! Last year in late November, I noticed a neighbor's sprinklers still running at night, so knocked on the door and gave her a helpful hint. She was just clueless - one of those people who never pays attention to the outside of her house.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by denverian

True - not paying attention to your outdoor water sources can cost you money! Last year in late November, I noticed a neighbor's sprinklers still running at night, so knocked on the door and gave her a helpful hint. She was just clueless - one of those people who never pays attention to the outside of her house.

First time living in winter? I imagine that's a mistake you'd make once and the repair bill would remind you after that.