Snap Has Suggestions For Winterizing Homes

Although it’s hard to think about, October is a good time to prepare your home for winter.

The Spokane Neighborhood Action Program has several suggestions for winterizing homes.

Janet Anderson of SNAP said a few simple procedures can help families be more comfortable during the winter months and save money. A well-maintained furnace burns fuel efficiently and costs less, Anderson said.

Here is a short list of things to remember.

Change the filter in the furnace during the months you use it. If you have animals or live on a dirt road, you may need to change it monthly.

Vacuum around the furnace, open the panels and look at the condition of the blower and filter. Have them professionally cleaned if they are dirty. Oil furnaces should be tuned up every year.

Repair broken windows, clean and repair storm windows and install new weather-stripping for sliding-glass windows and doors.

Seal the duct work that carries heat to rooms in the house. Duct openings can be sealed with duct tape.

Check door fittings. Hinges should be tightened, if necessary, and gaps should be closed with weather-stripping or closed-cell foam.

Shut off water to outside faucets and wrap basement pipes in a special foam pipe insulation. Vents in the foundation should also be closed.

For more information about winterizing, call the Spokane Neighborhood Action Program at 744-3370.

, DataTimes