12 tips to keep your home in good shape this winter

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It's hard to believe it's already October and the cold weather will be here soon in Bucks County. The few chilly nights we've had recently got us thinking about the best ways to prepare your home for the winter. To answer that, we put together a handy 12-point checklist.

1. Clean those gutters: Now is the time to inspect your gutters and downspouts. Make sure they're clear for the winter so you don't have any leakage once the ice and snow thaws in the springtime.
2. Seal up the cracks and gaps: Make sure there aren't any cracks or gaps around your windows and doors. Use weather stripping and caulk to help save on energy bills.
3. Take care of your roof: Make sure there aren't any major problems with your roof while the weather is still nice. 
4. Repair your walkways and driveways: If there is damage to the concrete around your home, repair it now. Ice and snow will only make the problem worse.
5. Drain and winterize your outdoor faucets: Many people forget to do this and have to pay for it when the spring rolls around. Don't let it happen to you.
6. Replace furnace filters: You don't want to wait until it's freezing cold to realize your heating system isn't working at maximum efficiency.
7. Get furnace serviced: Make sure your heating system is working before the cold sets in. Repair companies get swamped once the weather gets bad, so beat the rush.
8. Clean out the fireplace: Clean and sweep the fireplace, since you'll be using it soon.
9. Make sure the humidifier is working properly.
10. Get your gas fire heater serviced now: Again, don't wait until it gets cold.
11. Check wood stoves: Ensure all your heating devices are in working order.
12. Test safety items: Make sure your fire alarms, extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, so your family is safe this winter.

If you need help getting any of these tasks taken care of, don't hesitate to give us a call. We work with plenty of great vendors we'd love to refer to you. Thanks, and keep warm this winter!