At Intown Partners, we understand how much your home means to you. As part of our commitment to enhancing your home experience, we want to help you prepare for the changing seasons. We’ve gathered expert recommendations for trusted service providers and vendors to assist you in maintaining and caring for your beautiful home throughout the year. Our goal is to ensure that your home remains comfortable, safe, and in top condition no matter the season.
1. Inspect and Maintain Heating Systems
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Check Furnace/Boiler: Have your heating system inspected and serviced by a professional to ensure it’s running efficiently.
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Replace Filters: Change air filters to improve air quality and heating efficiency.
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Test Thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is working correctly and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better control.
2. Seal Drafts and Insulate
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Check Windows and Doors: Inspect for drafts and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.
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Insulate Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes with insulation to prevent freezing and bursting.
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Add Insulation: Check your attic and walls for adequate insulation and add more if necessary.
3. Prepare Your Roof and Gutters
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Inspect Roof: Look for damaged shingles or leaks and have them repaired.
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Clean Gutters: Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and water damage.
4. Prepare Your Yard and Exterior
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Clean Up Yard: Rake leaves, trim bushes, and remove dead plants to prepare your garden for winter.
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Store Outdoor Furniture: Clean and store or cover outdoor furniture to protect it from the elements.
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Check Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect hoses, drain them, and cover outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.
5. Check and Replace Weatherproofing
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Inspect Caulking: Reapply caulking around windows, doors, and other openings to keep cold air out.
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Install Draft Stoppers: Use draft stoppers on doors to block cold air from entering.
6. Prepare for Emergencies
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Stock Up: Ensure you have essentials like blankets, batteries, and a first aid kit.
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Create a Winter Emergency Kit: Include items like a shovel, ice scraper, and sand or salt for de-icing driveways.
7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
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Check Batteries: Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
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Test Alarms: Ensure all detectors are working properly and replace any that are outdated.
8. Maintain Chimney and Fireplace
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Inspect Chimney: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to prevent chimney fires.
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Check Fireplace: Ensure the fireplace damper is functioning and that the area around the fireplace is clean.
9. Prepare for Snow and Ice
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Stock Salt or Sand: Keep salt or sand on hand to manage ice on walkways and driveways.
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Buy a Snow Shovel or Snowblower: Ensure you have the necessary tools for snow removal.
10. Check and Update Insurance
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Review Policy: Make sure your homeowner’s insurance covers winter-related issues like snow damage or pipe bursts.
By taking these steps, you'll help ensure that your home stays warm, safe, and in good condition throughout the fall and winter seasons.
