Real Estate Matters

Winter is coming… Here are some seasonal reminders to help you prepare.

• Have boilers and furnaces serviced, including chimney cleaning.
• Have fuel tanks filled and resume automatic delivery.
• Order wood and pellets for secondary heating sources.
• Have wood and pellet stove chimneys cleaned and appliances checked for safe operation.
• Turn on circulating pumps if turned off for the summer months.
• Disconnect garden hoses from hose bibs and turn off hose bib water supply lines, and have them drained.
• Ensure all smoke and CO detectors are not outdated and that they are in working order.
• Clean filters and turn on ventilation systems often referred to as HRV’s (heat recovery ventilators, air-to-air exchangers, or HVAC’s).
• Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and ensure proper water flow.
• Check doors and windows for drafts. Replace worn-out weatherstripping or caulk as necessary.
• Check trees around your property for dead or hanging branches that might fall under the weight of snow or due to winter storms.
• Rake leaves and store summer garden tools. Prepare your garden and plants for winter.
• Ensure you have a winter emergency kit, including flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, and first-aid supplies.
• With shorter days, ensure that your outdoor lighting is functional, especially along pathways.
• Winterize vehicles by checking antifreeze levels, tire tread and pressure, and replacing wipers with winter blades.