Monday, August 10, 2015

While the thought of winter cold may be the last thing on homeowners' minds during the dog days of August, it's actually a perfect time for preventative winter maintenance.

A recent post from Sasha Grabenstetter writing for the University of Illinois Extension suggested a number of practical summer projects homeowners should consider doing to prepare it for the upcoming winter.

Among those suggested projects:

• Getting your furnace checked by a technician. According to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, having your heating system cleaned and serviced regularly could reduce your fuel costs by 10 percent or more. When a technician comes to check your furnace they should make sure the pilot light and thermostat are working, check for leaks or cracks as well as the energy efficiency of your furnace.
• If you plan to travel for a week or more, try to unplug appliances to reduce your utility bill. Things like the coffee pot, toaster and the TV don't need to stay plugged in if you're not there. Another option is to purchase a SMART power strip. That way you can keep on the things you want, but turn the rest of the electronics off just with the flick of a switch.
• Researching and purchasing all of the winter weather essentials for your home now could save you money before they're actually needed and stores have you where they want you. Shovels, snowblowers and rock salt are just a few things to think about. For items you already own, check that they're accessible and ready to use.
• Add weather stripping – Weather stripping includes things like window insulator kits and foam for your doors and windows. This is one way to keep cold air from coming into your home.
• If you're planning on using your chimney this winter, make sure to get it inspected.
• Get a thermometer – Monitoring the temperature of your home may be difficult if you don't have central heat and air. This is one handy tool for determining how warm/cool your rooms are this winter, and can help you identify drafts or rooms that are losing heat quickly.

Learn more at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/.

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