fall-and-winter-checklist

	Fall And Winter Checklist

In the late fall nobody wants to be doing chores around the house. It's time to snuggle in by the fire and stay out of the cold. But...there are a few items that should really be taken care of before the weather gets too cold and brutal. This may only be a partial list for some people due to your location. We consider this to be a list for average climates. We recommend you print this list for use around the house.
Indoors:
Change furnace filters Clean and turn on humidifier Wash windows Have chimney and flue cleaned Have furnace professionally checked, cleaned, and tested Turn off and drain garden hose spigots inside Check weather stripping around doors and windows (replace as needed) Have furniture and carpets cleaned to help cut down indoor pollution
Outdoors:
Put away patio furniture Drain and store garden hoses Check around doors and windows for gaps, caulk as needed Wash windows Put up storm windows Put away or cover grill (make sure gas is turned off) Clean gutters and downspouts (important to keep ice build-ups minimal) Put up Holiday lights and decorations (the holidays will be here before you know it) Trim trees and shrubs away from house Chop and stack firewood closer to the house (order firewood if you've been lazy :-) )
Garage:
Winterize lawn equipment Seal concrete floor to keep salt damage minimal Set rodent traps if you have an attached garage Get snow blower running and ready Find snow shovel :-(
Yard:
Apply winter fertilizer to lawn Mow lawn for last time to keep matting of grass to a minimum Rake leaves Stake driveway sides to mark for plow if needed
Pool:
It should be closed by now, but if it's not: Drain water to desired level Add winter chemicals Drain or blow lines out Drain filter Drain pump Drain and winterize heater Cover pool and secure cover from wind Add RV anti-freeze to pump or take pump inside for the winter Add RV anti-freeze to any area with possible standing water (i.e.-pump, heater, low lying valves)
Garden:
Remove dead plants Cover perennial plants with a thick layer of mulch Wrap or protect shrubs from winter winds Turn soil for next year Harvest late crops before first heavy freeze