Weatherization Tips

Weatherization Tips

Check your gutters. Prevent ice dams by cleaning out your gutters, installing gutter guards (if feasible) and making sure the attic is properly insulated. Protect the pipes. Protect against frozen pipes by insulating those that could be susceptible to freezing. Seal the cracks. Caulk around holes and openings to help prevent cold air from seeping in. Install weather stripping and seals around openings such as windows, doors, air conditioners and mail chutes. Stop the slips. Keep driveways and sidewalks clear of ice and snow and repair any issues with steps and handrails. Keep it warm. Set your thermostat for at least 65 degrees and make sure your house or apartment is well-insulated. Have heating checked. Furnaces, boilers and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to clear any buildup and to keep them running efficiently. Test your detectors. Residential fires are more common in winter, so it is important that all of your smoke detectors work. Check them monthly and replace batteries as needed. You should also consider installing a carbon monoxide detector to avoid inadvertently trapping this toxic gas in your home. Clear the yard. Keep the trees trimmed and remove dead branches and debris from your yard. Ice, snow and wind can weaken trees and cause branches to fall and potentially damage your home, car or even yourself and others. Drain and store your hose. Remove all attached garden hoses, drain them and store them away. Shut off the valves and insulate the faucet.

From the City's Committee for a Better Environment