KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – Home Winterizing

As I write this we in Chicago are bracing for a foot of snow. Although these tasks would have ideally been done a month ago. Those of you who are still without major snow cover can stay a little warmer and save a few heating bucks with these tips.

Seal any cracks outside with silicone exterior caulk. This caulk is specially made to withstand temperature extremes. Check around doors and windows. If the crack is as wide or wider than a nickel dig out the old caulk and replace.

Check all your chimneys, flues and vents to ensure good air flow to ensure furnace carbon monoxide won’t build up. While up on the roof check for loose or missing shingles. Make sure gutters are free flowing. Clogged gutters will result in ice damming. Where the snow on your rook will melt from the warmth in the attic. The water then pools in the gutter and refreezes. This can cause severe roof damage not to mention inside leaks from ice creeping under shingles. Already have iced over gutters? Fill a nylon stocking full of ice melt and lay along the gutter. This usually does the trick.

Speaking of salt the regular rock salt can harm plants, driveways and walkways. It is also harmful to pets. Use sparingly. There are several alternatives on the market that are safe for pets and plants. They are more expensive but usually you need to use much less for the same effect. In any event read labels and follow directions.

Replace any worn out weather stripping around windows and doors. If you can see daylight around doors and windows you are losing heat. Even if it’s not that bad light a candle and hold it up to the door or window. You’ll see the drafts for sure.

Check all of your outside drainage. Any drains should be clean and clear. Downspouts need to empty at least 3 feet from the foundation. Add extenders if necessary. Test your sump pump per manufacturer’s recommendations. No owner’s manual? Look online. Or slowly pour a couple of gallons of water into the pit to make sure it turns on.

Prevent pipes freezing during the coldest months. Pipes along an outside wall should be wrapped. On the coldest nights simply let the faucets trickle. Not much less than a pencil width will do. Keeps ice from forming, no matter how cold the water it will not freeze if it’s moving.

Your furnace filter should be changed regularly. Every 90 days is sufficient but in heating season we change once a month. I have severe allergies and this seems to help. I’ve tried the expensive filters that claim to take out all the allergens but I find them not worth the price. We buy regular filters, not the cheapest ones but the next ones up. I believe more frequent filter changes do better than diamond encrusted ones.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO