Winter in the Midwest doesn’t play around. Before the first “Chiefs weather” snowstorm hits, your home needs a little TLC to keep your Evergy and Spire bills from skyrocketing.
Here is my professional “Handywoman Checklist” for KC homeowners:
- Disconnect Garden Hoses: This is the #1 cause of flooded basements in KC. If the hose stays on, the water stays in the pipe and bursts inside your wall during the first freeze.
- Clean the Gutters: With our beautiful KC trees comes a lot of debris. Clogged gutters lead to “ice dams” that can tear shingles off your roof.
- Check the Weatherstripping: Feel a draft by the front door? Replacing a $15 seal can save you 10% on your heating bill.
- Service the Sump Pump: With spring rains and melting snow, your pump needs to be clear of debris.
- Caulk Exterior Gaps: Check where your siding meets the windows. Small gaps are invitations for field mice to move in for the winter!
- Reverse Your Ceiling Fans: Set them to rotate clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling.
- Flush the Water Heater: Our local water can be “hard,” leading to sediment buildup. Flushing it once a year extends its life significantly.
Need a hand getting through the list? I offer a “Winterization Package” where I spend 4 hours tackling all these small tasks for one flat rate.
Stay warm this winter! [Contact me today to schedule your Fall Maintenance visit.]