Five top items to Winterize

It is easy to find a long list of all to the items to winterize your home. Some can be pricey and may not be necessary to do every fall/winter.  We have made a list of what we feel are the five most important items to do this fall.  This list is easy and costs very little.

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1. Blow out your sprinkler system 

This is something you can do yourself if you own an air condenser. If not, there are plenty of companies that will come to blow out your sprinklers. Call and schedule a time now, they book up as we get closer to freezing weather.

2. Clean out gutters & downspouts

You can grab a ladder and clean out your gutters or hire someone to do it.  It is important to make sure they are free of debris so that water drains properly away from your house.

3. Change the direction of your ceiling fans

Even in winter, ceiling fans can be used to help manage the interior climate. Ceiling fan direction in the winter should be clockwise, and the fan should run at the lowest speed. This pulls cool air up toward the ceiling, which in turn displaces the warm air that rises and collects near the ceiling. When standing under the fan, look up and double-check that the blades are rotating in a clockwise direction.

4. Clean out your fireplace & chimney

Before you touch match to kindling, take a good look around your fireplace and chimney to make sure you’re following these essential guidelines for a safe—and warm—season. Bob Villa outlined these steps to take before lighting your fireplace. 1. Check for Cracks and Damage. 2. Inspect the Chimney Cap and Damper 3. Clear Away Tree Limbs 4. Clear Out Ashes 5. Consider Heat Proof Glass

5. Plant bulbs for the Spring.

Spring-blooming bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, should be planted in September or October when the soil temperatures have cooled. Generally, dig a hole two to three times deeper than the bulb is tall. So if you have a 3-inch-tall bulb, dig a hole 6 to 9 inches deep. If the bulb has a pointed end, that’s usually the side that faces up. If you don’t see a pointy side, look for where the roots come out—that end goes down. Like most plants, bulbs appreciate well-drained soil rich in organic matter. spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the soil to prevent weeds. Bulbs are plants, too, so they appreciate a good drink after you plant them.