Feel that nip in the air? It might not be a big nip right now, but anyone who has lived in Wichita for a while knows that winter’s bite can be fierce. So while you’re thinking about pumpkins, harvest festivals and school activities, set aside a weekend or two to make your home ready for winter. Get on that to-do list now, and you’ll be done in no time.
Outside Your Home

Walk around your home, and take a close look at it. Check for worn or missing caulk around doors and windows, cracks or blistering paint and signs of erosion around your foundation. Re-caulk areas where air is leaking, and make sure you check the seal between the foundation and the main structure of your home. Even small cracks in the exterior can allow air and water to get in. Check and clean the gutters. Have any sections become undone? Look at the roof, and makes sure none of the shingles are missing.

Inside Your Home

Once again, take a close look at your windows and doors. Check the caulk and insulation, and replace as needed. Now is the time to schedule your furnace tune-up. If your schedule has changed–because you’re going to school, for example–make sure your programmable thermostat is set to follow your new activities. The chimneys of wood stoves and fireplaces should be cleaned thoroughly before the winter heating season begins. If you have extra time, consider boosting the insulation in your attic.

Porch and Deck Area

Clean and check your outdoor furniture before you put it away for the season. It is also wise to check all stairs and handrails. They need to be stable and secure before your walking surfaces freeze up.

The cooler days of fall are nature’s signal that harsher weather is ahead. Take heed, and use this time to prepare your home for the rigors of winter. Need help getting your to-do list done? Contact Comfort Systems. We can make sure your heating system is in good working order, and we can answer all of your home-comfort questions. We serve Wichita-area homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about home maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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