East Central Reporter

Preparing a home for winter is essential for homeowners in Illinois, where the climate includes all four seasons. Winter, while beautiful with its snow and cooler temperatures, can also bring challenges such as arctic-cold temperatures and ice, which may lead to damage to homes.

Homeowners might find the process of preparing for winter daunting. However, there are several simple steps that can be taken over a weekend or during spare time to ensure readiness. Notably, water damage from frozen and burst pipes constitutes a significant portion of homeowner insurance claims. To prevent this, it is advisable to wrap pipes and maintain indoor temperatures at 65 degrees or higher. Additionally, knowing the location of the water shutoff valve is crucial for emergencies.

Several tips can assist homeowners in Illinois in getting their houses ready for winter:

- Ceiling fans should rotate clockwise to distribute warm air throughout rooms.

- Indoor pipes need protection, especially in basements where many burst pipes occur.

- Insulating attics or crawl spaces is recommended.

- Regular servicing of furnaces and chimneys should be standard practice.

- Window screens should be removed and stored; glass storm windows can create an insulating air layer.

- Repairing loose roofing shingles is important as heavy snow can cause them to lift and allow leaks.

- Gutters should be cleaned and inspected.

- Patio stones need repair if they are loose or broken.

- Dead or weak tree limbs should be removed.

- Outdoor water sources must be secured by draining garden hoses before frost hits.

- Garden beds, paths, and driveways should be marked to aid snow shoveling.

- Windows and doors should be re-caulked to seal gaps.

- Fuel must be drained from gas-powered engines like lawn mowers.

- Insurance coverage should be checked to avoid surprises.

- Door locks can be protected from freezing by spraying powered graphite lubricant into each lock.

- Gardens should be tidied up to prevent insect hiding places; flower beds mulched as needed.

- Decks need cleaning; sealer application if necessary.

- Snowblowers must be checked for proper functioning.

- Outdoor plants, furniture, and grills should be brought inside.

- Water heaters benefit from insulation blankets.

- Programmable thermostats allow custom temperature settings.

These preparations are vital for ensuring safety and minimizing risks during the winter months.