Tips from ComfortSystems to prepare your home for winter

1. Inspect Heating System

• Call a professional to inspect your furnace or boiler and clean ducts.  It will cost about $110 to $135.
• Turn on your heating system before it gets cold to make sure it will operate.
• Make sure heating ducts are connected and insulated.
• Make sure exhaust vents are connected and free from blockages.
• Stock up on furnace filters and change them once a month.
• For hot water radiator systems, bleed air out of the system by opening valves slightly until water starts to leak out.
• Remove all flammable material from the area around your furnace or boiler.

2. Get the Fireplace Ready

• Inspect the fireplace damper and make sure it closes tightly and seals completely.
• Have chimney cleaned to remove soot and creosote.
• Check mortar between bricks in the chimney and repair if needed.
• Have gas fireplaces serviced.
• Check cap and screens are in good condition and venting is not blocked.

3. Prevent Pipes from Freezing

• A burst pipe caused by a cold weather can be prevented by draining exterior piping and pipes in unheated spaces.
• Wrap and insulate pipes that can’t be drained.
• Drain air conditioner pipes.
• Find your water shutoff valve and make sure it works.
• Make sure water meters are in heated areas to prevent them from freezing.

4. Block Air Leaks

• Weatherstrip doors
• Caulk windows and replace cracked glass in windows.
• Install storm windows.
• Install outlet gaskets.
• Shrink wrap windows.

5. Check or Install Carbon Monoxide, Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

• Locate near or in sleeping areas per manufacturer’s directions.
• Test the detectors to make sure they work.
• Replace batteries.
• Locate and check fire extinguishers.  Replace if over 10 years old.

6. Clear Rain Gutters

• Remove debris form blocking water flow.
• Repair leaks and misaligned pipes.
• Drain water at least ten feet away from foundation.

7. Prepare for Emergencies

• Stock indoor candles and matches for use during power outages.
• Find the phone numbers for your utility companies and post them near the phone.
• Store extra bottled water and non-pershable food supplies (including pet food if you have a pet), blankets, and warm clothes for use during power outages or heavy snow falls.

8. Check Snow Removal Equipment

• Service Snow Blowers and check operation
• Find snow shovels and roof rakes and make sure they are in good condition.
• Store fuels in proper storage containers.  Check fuel levels.
• Keep your natural gas regulators and meters free from ice and snow.