Winter is knocking on our door, and in North Dakota, that means it’s time to gear up and get ready for whatever snowflakes and frosty winds Mother Nature throws at us. But don’t worry—preparing your home doesn’t have to feel like an extreme sport. With a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to cozy up and face winter like a pro.
First things first: check out your chimney. If it’s been sitting unused all summer, now’s the time to make sure it’s clean and in good working order. A well-maintained chimney keeps the warm air inside and any fire hazards outside. Plus, who doesn’t love a crackling fire when it’s snowing?
Speaking of keeping warm, it’s time to seal up those sneaky drafts. Take a walk around your windows and doors with some caulking or weatherstripping in hand, and block out those chilly gusts. Not only will you keep your home toasty, but your wallet will thank you when the heating bill arrives.
Next up: pipes. Frozen pipes are like uninvited guests—they show up, cause trouble, and cost you money. Wrap up any exposed pipes with insulation, and you’ll be good to go when the temps drop.
Don’t forget the gutters! Nobody wants an ice dam turning their roof into a skating rink. Grab a ladder and clear out those leaves, because clogged gutters can lead to leaks and bigger headaches.
Oh, and safety first! Give your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors a test to make sure they’re ready for action. A little beep now could save you big later…