System

Check

– Fire & Smoke Alarms

Change batteries, vacuum to remove dust and test.

– Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Change batteries and test.

– Roof and Gutters

Avoid snow and ice damn buildup on roofs that have large overhangs. 

– Gutters

Clean gutters to avoid clogs.  Avoid puddling water against foundation at downspouts.

– Exterior Spigots

The water supply for exterior spigots should be turned off to avoid freezing.

– Sump Pump

Test sump pumps to make sure they remove water from the sump pit.

– Steam Heat Boiler

Check the boiler water level. Drain the sludge from the boiler tank every two weeks.

– Electric Heaters

Electric baseboard heaters must be kept clear in front to avoid fires.

– Boilers & Furnaces

Have your heating system serviced to help prevent unwanted breakdowns during winter.

– Firewood

Avoid storing firewood against home to help prevent mechanical damage to siding.

– Window AC

Cover or remove window AC units to help avoid cold drafts in home. 

– Air Filters

Change furnace air filters.

– Humidifiers

Service the humidifier every two to three years.  Water panels may need changing.

– Bedrooms

Move your bed’s headboard against an interior wall to avoid cold drafts from exterior walls and windows.

– Extra Rooms

Close off unused rooms and lower the temperature to reduce heating expenses.

– Exterior Doors

Repair gaps or "daylight" between doors and frames that may let in a draft of cold air.

– Storm Windows

Install or close storm windows on older homes for the best heating efficiency.

– Snow Shovels

Do you have snow shovels and salt?  Go to the store when it’s not snowing to find some.*

– Snow Blowers

Check oil and start up the snow blower to make sure it runs OK before it snows.