Are You Ready For Winter?

     If you are like me, you put off doing things until you are forced into it. Like cleaning out the garage, raking the leaves, fixing that dripping faucet. This is the reason I am starting here at the end of summer to remind you of what you need to do to get your house and property ready for winter.

• Close the crawl space vents around your foundation to keep cold air out.
• Disconnect your hose's and store them away when your through watering.
• Discard all your flowering annuals. Nothing looks worse then dead flowers in    the winter.
• Cut your grass on the lowest mower setting you can without scalping. A ragged looking lawn looks like you don't care.
• Rake the leaves as they fall. It's much easier then waiting until they have all dropped. I actually mow them up twice a week and then no raking!
• Check seals around doors and windows, add weather strip or caulk if needed.
• Install insulation gaskets behind your electrical outlets to keep out cold air.
• Have your furnace tuned up by a HVAC professional.
• Install a programmable thermostat if you don't have one. It will save you money.
• Cover or store all your patio furniture for longevity.
• Clear your yard of debris, trash, and other unsightly material.

     Oh, and the last thing. Clean out that garage. I know all of this sounds like a lot but if you start now it is a whole lot easier. Sometimes here in the Boise, Idaho valley, the winters can seem long and depressing. So making your home and property look better during the winter can do much to lift your spirits plus its good for your home.
For more home tips, read more blogs at www.hvaccomfortguyjerry.blogspot.com. or check our website at www.greensheating.com.