PART THREE: WINTERIZING THE HOUSE HEAT If you have a chimney or venting system for a fireplace or woodstove, inspect and clean it now. Soot buildup is a fire hazard, wildlife nests can block ventilation, and crumbling mortar inside the firebox needs repair before the first fire of the season. If the fireplace goes unused, close the damper. Vacuum out vents and ductwork as far as the hose reaches, replace the furnace filter (a job to repeat every one to three months, year round), and give the furnace a test run before the cold arrives in earnest. Households on propane or oil should fill their tanks early. COOLING, PACKED AWAY A window air conditioner left in place invites a winter-long draft. Disconnect it, rinse the filters, drain the collection trays, spray off the fan blades and coils, let everything dry, and store the unit. If removal isn’t an option, insulate around the edges and cover the unit to protect it from the elements. THE VENTS THAT KEEP A HOUSE SAFE Remove and degrease the range hood filters, and wipe out the vents along the bottom of the refrigerator. Then give the clothes dryer real attention: pull it out, disconnect the hose, and clear the lint from the machine all the way through the vent exiting the outdoor wall. Lint buildup is a major cause of house fires. Bathroom exhaust fans get their covers removed and cleaned as well. SEAL THE ENVELOPE Weatherstripping closes the gaps around doors and windows. Thin insulation sheets sized for outlets and light switches install in minutes and block surprising drafts. A water heater blanket helps the tank hold its temperature through the cold months.
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