prep house for winter closing

Cover or store outdoor furniture and barbecue grills.

Clean and store outdoor tools and equipment.

Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements or crawl spaces.

Check and replace weatherstripping around doors and windows.

Inspect and clean chimneys and flues before using fireplaces or wood-burning stoves.

Service and clean heating system, including replacing filters.

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Check and seal gaps around electrical outlets, vents, and pipes.

Inspect insulation in the attic and add more if necessary.

Clean and store summer equipment like fans or air conditioners.

Shut off water supply to exterior faucets.

Drain and flush water heaters.

Insulate hot water pipes to prevent freezing.

Set thermostats to a lower temperature to save energy.

Consider installing a programmable thermostat.

Bleed air out of radiators or heating systems.

Check and replace furnace filters.

Consider having the heating system professionally serviced.

Clean and store outdoor power equipment.

Clean gutters and downspouts.

Inspect and replace caulking around windows and doors.

Clean and vacuum carpets and rugs.

Store or cover outdoor air conditioning units.

Test and replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Clean and organize storage areas.

Check and repair any damaged window screens.

Remember to tailor this checklist to your specific needs and the requirements of your home.