15 Ways To Winterize Your Home (continued)

Step 6. As long as you are cleaning out leaves, make sure there are none clogging your chimney. Install a screen over the chimney top to prevent this after cleaning.

Step 7. Uncaulked windows suck up energy and create moisture. Check the caulking around doors and windows.

Step 8. Don't forget the garage door. Keep snow and ice from building up around the bottom of the garage door so it closes completely and doesn't warp.

Step 9. Keep your pipes warm. Prevent frozen water pipes by keeping your heat on low even when you're away from home. The temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is colder than the walls themselves.
- open cabinets below sinks to get more warm air to the pipes
- fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow the loss of heat
- seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking
- keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space. Or drain the water system, especially if your house will be unattended during cold periods.

Step 10. Make sure steps and handrails are in good shape. Broken stairs and banisters can become dangerous when covered with snow and ice. Make repairs now!