Winterizing a home can be a huge endeavor. Calling your local power company and requesting and Energy Assessment could provide you with a list of energy saving changes to consider for your home. Of course, we suggest hiring a professional for larger jobs or jobs that you don’t feel comfortable completing on your own. However here’s a general winterizing checklist to consider this winter to keep your home cleaner and more energy efficient.

1) Rain Gutters. Rain Gutters should be cleaned yearly, sometimes even multiple times per year depending on the debris fall in your area. Homes in forest areas tend to require cleaning more often. If you do not feel safe cleaning your rain gutters please call a professional.

2) Windows and Doors. Check to see if air is seeping through the seems of your windows or doors, if so install a window insulator kit around your window. For doors, weather seal stripping works well and is very easy to install.

3) Detector Testing. This is a good time to check all of your detectors and home security cameras to ensure they are working properly. We like to give them a good soak and wipe at this time as well; its amazing how much dust is collected on smoke detecting units.

4) Protect your Pipes. Check all outdoor pipes and ensure they have proper insulation and/or are shut off during freezing temperatures. This is also a good time to reevaluate your water and sprinkler timing systems.

5) Chimney Sweep. If you use a fireplace it is a good idea to have your chimney professionally cleaned yearly.