Exterior
❒Check to make sure there is no pooling water around your foundation
❒ Have roof inspection for missing or loose shingles
❒ Inspect the clean gutters and downspouts
❒ Ensure home is property sealed by caulking around doors and windows, if necessary
❒ Switch storm windows to screens
❒ Turn on water supply to outside faucets
❒ Touch up paint
❒ Trim trees and shrubbery
❒ Repair and stain deck
❒ Spray around foundation, windows, and doors with preventative insecticide
Interior
❒ Have air conditioner serviced
❒ Find and eliminate any leaks or gaps using caulking and/or weather stripping around windows and doors
❒ Spray around baseboards, doors, and windows with preventative insecticide
❒ Clean or replace air filters, monthly
❒ Clear obstacles to AC vents so air can freely flow
❒ Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
❒ Charge the battery backup for landline telephones
❒ Clean dryer filter regularly
❒ If you have a basement, check for cracks and leaks
❒ Make sure you know where the shut-off switch is for water, gas and electric
Tips to help reduce energy costs
- Use a programmable thermostat to raise temperatures at night or when you leave home
- Use energy efficient light bulbs
- If you have ceiling fan, change its direction
- In older homes, insulate the attic
- Consider budget billing to spread heating costs out throughout the year