If you plan to brave the New England winter at home, you’ll want it to be as cozy and comfortable as possible. If you’re a snowbird, you don’t want to return to a disaster. In either case, the following steps will help ensure that your house has a happy new year.

• Clean out your dryer vents. Clogged vents are one of the most common causes of house fires. Check that your dryer is properly vented to the outside and high enough that it won’t be blocked by packed snow.
• Check that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Smoke detectors should be less than 10 years old, and carbon monoxide detectors less than seven. The guide on the Hopkinton fire prevention webpage can help you determine the type required for the age and size of your home.
• Change the batteries in all your detectors. An easy way to remember to do this is to change them when daylight savings time ends, which is Nov. 2 this year. (Note that newer detectors have longer-lasting lithium batteries.) Change the batteries on thermostats, electronic entryways and garage doors as well.
• Check your fire extinguishers to make sure they’re within their expiration date. This also is a good time to ensure that all household members know where they are and how to operate them.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected — before using your fireplace for the first time in the new season.
• Schedule annual maintenance for the furnace or heating system, and winterize the air conditioner.
• Prevent frozen pipes! Set your thermostat to a minimum of 60 degrees and use pipe wrap for extra insulation. Know where the main shutoff for your water system is in case of emergency.
• To keep the cold (and the critters) out and the heat in, caulk around leaky windows or cover them with plastic shrink film. Check for and seal any areas where rodents might enter the home. Apply weatherstripping around drafty door frames and use draft stoppers to block cold air from seeping in under doors.
• Once the leaves have fallen, clean out the gutters and downspouts and remove any piles of leaves or debris from around your home’s foundation.
• Check for and remove any overhanging branches that could fall on the house if they’re weighted down with snow or ice.
• Keep your hoses and sprinkler systems from freezing by turning off water valves inside the house, then going outside and opening the valves to clear water from the pipes. Disconnect and store hoses.
• Seal cracks in pavement, walkways and sidewalks to prevent water penetration.

Don’t get left out in the cold — regular maintenance is vital to protect your investment and keep your family safe. Start or schedule your home winterization now, and enjoy the season!

Kim Foemmel
Foemmel Fine Homes
1 Lumber Street, Suite 207C
Hopkinton, MA
(508) 808-1149
Kim.Foemmel@gmail.com
FoemmelFineHomes.com

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