• Professional Inspection: Schedule an annual service for your furnace, boiler or heat pump. A professional can clean the system, check for leaks( especially carbon monoxide), and make sure it’ s operating at its best.
• Filter Change: Replace your furnace filter. A clean filter improves air quality and allows the system to run more efficiently, saving you money on heating bills.
• Reverse Your Fans: If your ceiling fans have a reverse switch, use it. This will create an updraft that pushes warm air down from the ceiling, helping to circulate heat and potentially allowing you to lower your thermostat.
2. Sealing the Envelope: Keeping the Warmth In
Think of your home as a warm blanket. The goal is to prevent the heat from escaping.
• Seal Leaks: Inspect windows and doors for drafts. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal any gaps. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to lower your energy bills.
• Check Insulation: Ensure that your attic and walls have adequate insulation. Insufficient insulation can lead to significant heat loss and even cause ice dams on your roof, which can damage your home.
• Protect Your Pipes: Disconnect and drain garden hoses and turn off the water to exterior spigots. Insulate any pipes that are in unheated spaces, like a basement or against an outside wall, to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
3. The Roof and Chimney: Looking Up for Safety
Don’ t overlook the top of your house.
It bears the brunt of winter’ s wrath.
• Clear the Gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and water damage. Clean them out after the leaves have fallen.
• Trim Trees: Prune any tree branches that hang over your house or car. Heavy snow or ice can cause them to break, potentially resulting in property damage and more.
• Chimney Sweep: Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned. Creosote buildup is a fire hazard, and a clean chimney ensures proper ventilation.
4. Prepare for the Unexpected: The Emergency Kit
Winter storms can knock out power for extended periods. Be prepared with a well-stocked emergency kit.
• Essentials: Gather non-perishable food, bottled water, a manual can opener, flashlights with extra batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Safety First: Keep a fire extinguisher and a working carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home. If you use a portable generator, never operate it indoors or in an attached garage.
YOUR CO-PILOT: GETTING YOUR CAR ROAD-READY
Winter driving is a whole different ballgame. Sleet, snow, and icy roads require your vehicle to be in peak condition.
1. Under the Hood: The Inner Workings
• Test the Battery: Cold temperatures are tough on car batteries. Have your battery tested by a mechanic, especially if it’ s over 4 years old. A weak battery may not have the power to start your car in freezing weather.
• Check Fluids: Antifreeze / Coolant— make sure your coolant is at the proper level and has the right water-to-antifreeze ratio to prevent your engine from freezing; Windshield Wiper Fluid— replace your fluid with a winter-specific mixture that contains de-icer. Keep a spare bottle in your car.
• Inspect Belts and Hoses: Check for any signs of wear, such as cracks
Continued on next page >
ROSS TOWNSHIP ❘ WINTER 2025 25