Winterizing your home doesn’t have to be an arduous process. That’s why we stop by the blog each year to give you a list of actionable items that will help you get your home ready for the inevitable weather in no time. Once you have your indoors and outdoors taken care of, you can stop by our local events calendar to see how you might enjoy spending for fall days – if you’re in our neck of the woods, there’s plenty going on in the San Juans leading up to our very busy winter season and we’d love to see you out and about.

But in the meantime, let’s have a look at six simple things you can start this weekend – or even today – to get your home all squared away for colder weather.

Winterization tip #1: Stock up on melting agents. If you have children or need to get in and out of a driveway each day, the local hardware stores are already well-stocked with melting agents to keep your driveway and sidewalks clear. Grab a bag and store it on a shelf off the ground, away from moisture.

Winterization tip #2: Check your vents and air filters. Keep that warm air flowing through your home as efficiently as possible by changing your air filters and making sure vents are open or closed as need be.

Winterization tip #3: Bring in the hoses. We’ve been through the hassle of having to replace hoses that went through a freeze with water inside and don’t want that to happen to you. Bring the hoses into your basement or garage and bring them our only as needed from now on!

Winterization tip #4: Check for drafts. If you have a chimney, is it staying closed when not in use? Are there areas in your home where draft is coming through? Give your windows, doors and other places that offer outside access a once-over to make sure your heating bill isn’t slipping out of control.

Winterization tip #5: Change your windshield wiper fluid. While this is more garage issue, now’s the time to switch from your summer wiper fluid mix to a winter one to prevent unwelcomed freeze-ups. All of the drug stores, convenience stores, and auto supply stores have the below zero mixes available – pick up a bottle or three and add some to your reservoir today.

Winterization tip #6: Wrap up the lawn. Go ahead and give your lawn one last day of care with a thorough edging and mowing. Rake the leaves (we know – now the most fun!) and get everything in order. It’s especially helpful if you live in an area prone to snow. A clean lawn pre-snow means one easier to deal with post-snow!

The Staff at San Juan Realty, Inc.