Is your house ready for winter?

The winter weather has arrived in Grand Rapids and while you may want to hibernate and avoid the fact that snow is imminent,  there are a few things you will want to take care of first around your house. If you take time to prepare your house for the winter weather now you’ll be able to enjoy the extra time later by cross-country skiing at Millennium Park, ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle, enjoying hot cocoa with your family, or just enjoying some downtime at home.

Disconnect your hoses. If you haven’t already - make sure you do this soon! Shut off the water supply to outside faucets and drain any leftover water.

​​Take a look at large trees. Heavy snow on limbs can make them more prone to breaking and that can be a safety hazard. Brush the snow off tree limbs after each big snowfall, using a broom to extend your reach. If a limb does fall, have it removed as soon as the weather permits. Always use caution when doing this.

Find a space to keep winter gear. Carve out a designated space where you can keep your coats, boots, scarves and gloves. Consider clearing out space in a closet that is closest to your entryway. We recommend investing in a boot tray to keep melted snow contained. 

Check your heating and air system. Take time now to change your filters and have your systems inspected. This will make your house more efficient and keep you warmer this winter. 

             While we’re talking about the efficiency of your house...
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Save on your energy bill. Make sure you invest in weather-stripping if you have drafty areas around your house. Cold air coming through windows or doors can be sealed with material found at your local hardware store.​​​

Prepare for upcoming winter storms now. Make sure your snow shovels and window scrapers are in good condition. Store them somewhere convenient so you can get them easily. Do you have snow sticks around your driveway? This will help you know where to shovel or plow.

Clean your chimney. By having your chimney professionally cleaned, you can have creosote buildup removed and decrease the risk of house fires.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. House fires happen frequently in the winter. Take time to make sure you’re safe by replacing old batteries or installing new detectors.
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Prepare your emergency kit. Consider keeping your pantry stocked in case of power outages – bottled water, granola bars, candles, flashlights, batteries and extra blankets can be a life saver in a pinch. Consider adding a first-aid kit and a power bank to keep your electronics powered.

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