NOTE: This content created in partnership with GEIS Building Products.
We’ve had a warm spell so far in early autumn, but this is Wisconsin so we know that winter is coming. Whether it’s brutal or relatively mild, there are some things you should definitely take care of around the house to get ready, and here are a few of them.
Leave no leaves
Be sure to clear the leaves out of your gutters so that the autumn rain and winter’s snow melt can flow freely to your downspouts and away from your house. While you’re doing your final mowings, you can also mulch the leaves that are on your lawn to help create some good organic feed for your grass.
It’s also a good time to clean out your garden and compost the debris or set it out with leaves for collection. Here’s some info on how leaf collection works in the City of Milwaukee this year.
Storm windows
If you live in a house that has removable storm windows, dig those babies out of the basement, check to make sure they’re properly sealed and painted (if applicable) and get them installed before the cold arrives.
Garage door maintenance
Now is the time to get your garage door ready for the cold, too. Be sure to lubricate the rollers and any other moving parts so the door can run smoothly all winter long.
While you’re at it, brush the cobwebs off the sensors, too.
And, says, Sam Dunlap of GEIS Building Products, “Other things to look for (are) light gaps at the floor or along the sides. They are easy way for rodents to get into the garage.”
Light it up
While you’re out there, dig out your holiday lights and grandpa’s snowman blow molds collection and install it all while you still have the benefit of warm weather.
Inside jobs
There are some indoor tasks to tackle, too, including cleaning the accumulated lint out of your dryer vent to prevent fires and to ensure the efficiency of your clothes dryer. While you’re in the basement, be sure to replace your furnace filter, too. That’s something you should be doing regularly – every three or four months.
Chimney sweep
If you’re lucky enough to have a warming fireplace around which to snuggle when the temps tumble, make sure that the flue and the chimney are working properly and have been cleaned recently to prevent smoke and carbon monoxide entering your home and to prevent unwanted fire.
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