Now that the weather has turned colder, what are three things homeowners should do now (if they haven’t already done them) to prepare their homes for winter?

Here are our suggestions:

Ensure your gutters are clean

Clogged gutters can result in roof and foundation damage. Gutters are designed to direct water away from your home and its foundation. Make sure your downspouts are clear and are able to divert water away from your home. If you are unable to clean your gutters and downspouts safely, hire a professional to do this for you.

Have your furnace checked by a professional

We’ve performed over 15,000 inspections since 1990, so we’ve seen a lot of cracked heat exchangers and damaged flu pipes or chimneys. This can result in dangerous carbon monoxide levels in a home and also create a serious fire hazard. A few dollars spent now to have your furnace checked could save lives. Carbon monoxide is deadly!

Turn off exterior faucets

Drain all water from faucets and hoses so they won’t freeze and burst over the winter. If your faucets are not frost-proof, turn off the shut-off valve inside your home or in your basement or crawl space.

Bonus Tips

As we enter the heating season, take a few minutes to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them to ensure they’re working properly and change batteries at least once per year. A carbon monoxide detector is vitally important if you utilize fossil fuels or wood to heat your home or water in your home (i.e., wood burner or fireplace, gas or oil furnace, gas water heater or stove, gas wall heater, kerosene heater, etc.).

You can find even more great tips here.

Call Housebusters

Contact Housebusters for all of your inspection services needs, from home inspections to well water tests, mold tests, foundation certifications, radon tests, septic tests and even pest inspections. We can perform all of your needed inspections when purchasing a home. Call us at 800-847-3500 to learn more about our experience and qualifications. You can even book online!