{"id":18384,"date":"2020-10-15T17:52:34","date_gmt":"2020-10-15T17:52:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/?p=18384"},"modified":"2021-07-19T13:30:29","modified_gmt":"2021-07-19T13:30:29","slug":"broker-blog-get-your-home-winter-ready-with-this-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/broker-blog-get-your-home-winter-ready-with-this-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Broker Blog: Get Your Home Winter Ready With This List"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we enter the colder months, it\u2019s always a good idea to make sure your home is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/06\/prepping-your-home-for-winter\/\">prepared<\/a> and ready to withstand the winter. You don\u2019t want to be dealing with a home maintenance emergency during the holidays or a snowstorm! Whether you\u2019re a seasoned homeowner or are getting ready to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/2018\/12\/04\/home-hunting-in-the-winter\/\">enjoy your first winter<\/a> in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/houses-for-sale\/illinois\/\">new home<\/a>, the following checklist will help guide you in making sure your home is in good condition as well as give you peace of mind knowing you can avoid emergency repairs or make a trip to the hardware store in the dead of winter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>INSIDE<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check insulation wherever possible; replace or add as necessary. Stay warm!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have your heating system and heat pump serviced; change or clean filters in your furnace. Once again, stay warm!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drain hot water heater and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.landmarkhw.com\/resources\/plumbing\/how-to-flush-sediment-out-of-a-water-heater\/2\/279\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">remove sediment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from bottom of tank; clean burner surfaces, and adjust burners<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check all faucets for leaks; replace washers if necessary<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check and clean humidifier in accordance with manufacturer\u2019s instructions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean refrigerator coils<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean out dryer lint vent &#8211; a fire in the fireplace is nice, you don\u2019t want a dryer fire!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Washer\/Dryer supply lines and make sure none of them need to be replaced<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure piping is properly insulated to prevent pipes from bursting &#8211; this can be common in the winter, especially if water freezes!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain your sump pump and make sure it\u2019s draining properly (if you have one)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean your boiler system (if you have one)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors; instructions on how to test these devices can be found <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.protectamerica.com\/home-security-blog\/safe-sound\/test-smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors_12898#:~:text=To%20Test%20the%20Device%3A,until%20you%20hear%20four%20beeps.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>OUTSIDE<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check all weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors. You want to keep your heat inside and the cold outside!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check for cracks and holes in house siding; fill with caulk as necessary<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove and store window air conditioners<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Put weatherproof covers on all outside air conditioners &#8211; you can find a cover <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B01D6R8PR8\/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take down screens (if they\u2019re removable) and clean before storing them<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drain outside faucets and cover them. Find a cover <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B07V5D7FST\/ref=twister_B07TZHKC16?_encoding=UTF8&amp;th=1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean gutters and drain pipes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the roof for leaks; repair<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check flashing around vents, skylights, and chimney for leaks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check chimney for damaged chimney caps and loose or missing mortar<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check chimney flue; clean obstructions; make sure damper closes tightly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check trees and trim as needed &#8211; too much snow on an old or weak limb could cause large limbs to fall!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you follow the above checklist, you\u2019ll save yourself time, money, and a potential headache from having to deal with any issues during the winter. Make these necessary repairs and changes, then pat yourself on the back because your home will be ready to endure the harsh midwest winter!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-attachment-id=\"18062\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/untitled-design-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Untitled-design.png?fit=500%2C500&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"500,500\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Untitled design\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Untitled-design.png?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Untitled-design.png?fit=500%2C500&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-18062 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Untitled-design.png?resize=189%2C189&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"189\" height=\"189\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Untitled-design.png?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Untitled-design.png?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Untitled-design.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Untitled-design.png?resize=400%2C400&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Untitled-design.png?resize=200%2C200&amp;ssl=1 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 189px) 100vw, 189px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img data-attachment-id=\"18387\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/broker-blog-get-your-home-winter-ready-with-this-list\/121586520_343460863584513_2016280286343989485_n\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/121586520_343460863584513_2016280286343989485_n.png?fit=1201%2C301&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1201,301\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"121586520_343460863584513_2016280286343989485_n\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/121586520_343460863584513_2016280286343989485_n.png?fit=300%2C75&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/121586520_343460863584513_2016280286343989485_n.png?fit=634%2C159&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-18387 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/121586520_343460863584513_2016280286343989485_n.png?resize=447%2C112&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"447\" height=\"112\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/121586520_343460863584513_2016280286343989485_n.png?w=1201&amp;ssl=1 1201w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/121586520_343460863584513_2016280286343989485_n.png?resize=300%2C75&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/121586520_343460863584513_2016280286343989485_n.png?resize=1024%2C257&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/121586520_343460863584513_2016280286343989485_n.png?resize=768%2C192&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/121586520_343460863584513_2016280286343989485_n.png?resize=816%2C205&amp;ssl=1 816w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 447px) 100vw, 447px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: var(--color-text);\">Blog B<\/span><span style=\"color: var(--color-text);\">y: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/realtors\/matt-engle\/realtor-in-chicago-il\/\">Matt Engle<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"tel:717-658-0899\">717-658-0899 |\u00a0<\/a><a href=\"mailto:matt@fultongrace.com\">matt@fultongrace.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"m_3613732785508195794gmail-m_8344217982165481526gmail-yui_3_18_1_1_1588884751893_834\">Matt began his career in Real Estate in 2015 to pursue his passion. From helping his clients find their first home, sell and upgrade, or buy investment properties, he is there to assist every step of the way. In 2016, he bought his first investment property and currently has 9 units.\u00a0 He&#8217;s received the Chicago Association of Realtors&#8217; Top Producer award in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"im\">Matt represents clients <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/houses-for-sale\/illinois\/\">buying<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/sell\/sell-with-fulton-grace-realty\/\">selling<\/a> residential real estate and investments in Chicago in addition to having a wealth of experience in residential leasing.\u00a0 He intently listens to his clients&#8217; needs and thoughtfully guides by serving as a professional, educated, and responsive real estate advisor.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As we enter the colder months, it\u2019s always a good idea to make sure your home is prepared and ready to withstand the winter. You don\u2019t want to be dealing with a home maintenance emergency during the holidays or a snowstorm! Whether you\u2019re a seasoned homeowner or are getting ready to enjoy your first winter [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":99745542,"featured_media":18388,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[353160,1518248,35091017,683195153,3259429,691669618],"tags":[679139588,688754824,606997830],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/121341221_2785404431781400_8309503191566019235_n.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbBC5T-4Mw","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18384"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/99745542"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18384"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18384\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19219,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18384\/revisions\/19219"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18388"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18384"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18384"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18384"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}