![\"Winter](\"https:\/\/stg.simplicity-homes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Winter-infographic.jpg\")
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Ensure that Heat Is Ready to Go and A\/C is Prepped for Hibernation<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As temperatures are now getting below freezing throughout the Pacific Northwest, now\u2019s the time to have your home ready for winter. To help keep things simple, we\u2019ve created this simple winter-ready checklist to help in preparing your home for the winter. Start early and avoid having to perform winter maintenance tasks after freezing temperatures have already hit!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Homes\u2019 heating and cooling systems are often overlooked, so make sure you take care of these ASAP. For cooling, now\u2019s the time of year that you want to cover your condensing unit (if you have one) and give your condensing unit a good clean to get rid of any debris. If you have a window air conditioner, remove it, cover it, and store it for winter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As for your heating system, do a test run to ensure that when cold temperatures hit, you\u2019ll be prepared. If you haven\u2019t changed the air filter in a while or done maintenance, call a professional or do it yourself.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Prepare Pipes<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The last thing that you want to have to deal with as a homeowner is an issue of frozen pipes. Not only will this put a hold on the water \u2013 literally \u2013 it can also lead to burst pipes, which can cause a lot of damage. The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to ensure that any exposed pipes are insulated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Make Sure Doors and Windows Are Doing Their Job<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Your doors and windows should contribute to your comfort, not detract from it. This is why you need to check for any drafts or openings that could cause cold air to enter (or pests!) or warm air to escape. You can typically check for this simply by placing your hand near the edge of a door or window and feeling for leaks. If you do notice something, update your weatherstripping. Doing so will help keep you more comfortable during the winter, and save money on heating costs, too.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Winterize Your Sprinkler System, and Prepare Your Yard and Patio<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Don\u2019t forget about your sprinkler system, which you surely will not be needed in the middle of winter. To winterize the system, purge the lines of water (by blowing compressed air through them) and turn off water flow.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For your yard, it is recommended that you keep cutting your grass until freezing. From there, be sure to remove any leaves that have fallen, trim and prune back plants and trees, and cover any patio furniture.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n