Lake County Gazette

Living in Illinois requires homeowners to be prepared for seasonal weather changes. The state's climate includes all four seasons, and being proactive can save homeowners money and prevent potential issues. Winter, while picturesque with snow and cooler temperatures, also brings challenges such as extreme cold, ice, and the risk of home damage.

Preparing a home for winter may seem daunting, but it can be manageable with some straightforward steps that can be completed over a weekend or during free time. Water damage from frozen and burst pipes is a common issue during winter months. To mitigate this risk, it's advisable to wrap pipes and maintain indoor temperatures at 65 degrees or higher. Homeowners should also know the location of their water shutoff valve for emergencies.

Several tips are recommended to ready homes for winter in Illinois:

- Ensure ceiling fans rotate clockwise to distribute warm air efficiently.

- Protect indoor pipes, especially in basements where many burst incidents occur.

- Insulate attics or crawl spaces.

- Regularly service furnaces and chimneys; annual inspections are advised.

- Remove window screens and install storm windows to create an insulating air layer.

- Repair loose roofing shingles to prevent leaks from heavy snow.

- Clean gutters thoroughly.

- Fix any loose patio stones.

- Trim dead tree limbs that could pose hazards.

- Secure outdoor water sources by draining hoses before frost sets in.

- Mark garden beds and driveways for easier snow removal navigation.

- Re-caulk windows and doors to seal gaps against drafts.

- Drain fuel from gas-powered equipment like lawn mowers before storage.

- Review insurance coverage to avoid unexpected issues during winter months.

- Use powered graphite lubricant on door locks to prevent freezing in extremely cold conditions.

- Tidy gardens to deter insects from nesting through the winter season; mulch flower beds accordingly.

- Maintain decks by cleaning them thoroughly; apply sealer if necessary.

- Check snowblowers' functionality ahead of heavy snowfall periods.

Additional recommendations include bringing in outdoor plants, furniture, grills, covering water heaters with insulation blankets, installing programmable thermostats for temperature control, changing batteries in smoke detectors, and testing CO2 detectors.