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Old 09-15-2009, 09:50 PM
 
Location: Aurora, CO
87 posts, read 346,241 times
Reputation: 50

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OK, I know that's a stupid question... but we moved here in the summer from the south. There is no winter to speak of in Arkansas - at least not one where it's necessary to do anything more than blow out your sprinkler system. I've heard ppl talk about "winterizing" their homes. I honestly don't know what this means, when I need to do it, or who I call to handle it for me. Any tips? I'm sure this is a stupid post to many of you, but I'm clueless! Thanks!
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Old 09-15-2009, 10:42 PM
Itz
 
714 posts, read 2,198,696 times
Reputation: 908
Well,
i recaulk my windows, check the insulation in the crawlspace/attic... make sure all seals on the roof (around pips/chimneys) are sealed.
Check the seals in my doors/windows -can you see light - thats BAD. Check the furnace, change the air filters.
Putting that plastic stuff on your windows WILL help... during the cold months take a candle along the edge - do you see it move outside the normal range - signifying a draft...
Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms..

A lot of this is basic maintenance,, but this is my "winterizing" check list.


ALSO... think of having a snowstorm "survival" kit... plenty of blankets, flashlights, canned goods, etc... in case of severe snow storms where you might not get out of the house for a few days... keep a kit in your car as well... blankets, flashlight, a small shovel, cat litter (used for traction on ice), etc... never let your car go below 1/4 tank of gas... etc...

Stuff like that... you will use a LOT Of energy in the winter if your home is not "winterized".. want to save money and cut down on your heating bill.... January is generally the COLDEST month and my electric/gas bill is double that then what it will be this month.

Don't want to be all doom and gloom - but Colorado is a lot different then Arkansas in the winter .. if we get a BAD Snow storm - and we have in the past... you may be stuck for a few days so keep track of the weather, keep your car in top running order, winterize your home..
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Old 09-15-2009, 10:54 PM
 
5,747 posts, read 12,049,157 times
Reputation: 4512
Quote:
Originally Posted by Itz View Post
Well,
i recaulk my windows, check the insulation in the crawlspace/attic... make sure all seals on the roof (around pips/chimneys) are sealed.
Check the seals in my doors/windows -can you see light - thats BAD. Check the furnace, change the air filters.
Putting that plastic stuff on your windows WILL help... during the cold months take a candle along the edge - do you see it move outside the normal range - signifying a draft...
Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms..

A lot of this is basic maintenance,, but this is my "winterizing" check list.


ALSO... think of having a snowstorm "survival" kit... plenty of blankets, flashlights, canned goods, etc... in case of severe snow storms where you might not get out of the house for a few days... keep a kit in your car as well... blankets, flashlight, a small shovel, cat litter (used for traction on ice), etc... never let your car go below 1/4 tank of gas... etc...

Stuff like that... you will use a LOT Of energy in the winter if your home is not "winterized".. want to save money and cut down on your heating bill.... January is generally the COLDEST month and my electric/gas bill is double that then what it will be this month.

Don't want to be all doom and gloom - but Colorado is a lot different then Arkansas in the winter .. if we get a BAD Snow storm - and we have in the past... you may be stuck for a few days so keep track of the weather, keep your car in top running order, winterize your home..
Great list. I'll add...

* mulch tender plants and trim weak tree limbs that may break with a wet snow, which generally happens in March/April

* turn off the outdoor spigots and store the hoses

* remove, wash, & store window screens
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Old 09-15-2009, 11:17 PM
 
11,715 posts, read 40,441,334 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by formercalifornian View Post

* remove, wash, & store window screens
Why do you remove the screens for the winter?
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Old 09-16-2009, 06:22 AM
 
5,747 posts, read 12,049,157 times
Reputation: 4512
You don't have to do so. Many people leave them up all winter because modern windows are so efficient that storm windows aren't necessary. For me, it's a convenient time to wash them thoroughly, and I like the unobstructed view through the windows during the winter months.
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Old 09-16-2009, 08:37 AM
 
Location: Just south of Denver since 1989
11,825 posts, read 34,423,134 times
Reputation: 8970
blow all the water out of your sprinkler system.

have the furnace and chimney cleaned (if wood burning) and serviced.
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Old 09-16-2009, 08:43 AM
 
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
6,288 posts, read 11,775,293 times
Reputation: 3369
Unhook your garden hoses and cover the outside faucets with 'bootie' type things they sell at home depot.
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Old 09-16-2009, 10:36 AM
 
Location: Canon City, Colorado
1,331 posts, read 5,081,717 times
Reputation: 689
I have my swamp cooler winterized and close off all of the swamp vents in my home.
I also put the glass down on my storm/screen doors.
If you have a lawn, it's a good idea to put down winter fertilizer.
Don't forget to winterize your car.
If you don't have one, get a good snow shovel for your house and a good snow scraper for your vehicle.
I get out my coat, gloves and hats then clean them.
I also get out heavier blankets for my couch and bedrooms.
Some people believe in using ice-melt for their driveways and sidewalks.
My DH doesn't like it sooooo....you can purchase it at any store.
I also clean out all of the furnace vents/grates in the floor. They always seem to collect dust and bugs. I have them closed in the summer so I can't see what's down there but, If you forget to do it, it can be pretty nasty when your furnace first kicks on!!!
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Old 09-16-2009, 11:29 AM
 
10 posts, read 27,539 times
Reputation: 14
Just shut down the swamp cooler, dry it and cover it. Shut off the outside water faucets. That's about it.
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Old 09-16-2009, 11:44 AM
 
5,747 posts, read 12,049,157 times
Reputation: 4512
I thought of something else...

*Winterize the whole house fan
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