(MENAFN Press) (EMAILWIRE.COM, November 08, 2012 ) HARTFORD, Conn-
Beautiful colors, falling leaves, crisp clean air, fresh apple cider and football its autumn in New England! With winter just around the corner, now is the time to prepare your house and car for cold weather temperatures.
Here are a few items to remember when getting your house ready for winter:
Oil burner. This should be serviced annually, along with your hot water heater. Schedule an appointment soon if it's been a few years since the last servicing.
Air conditioners. Remove window units or cover. Clean outside condensing unit and cover.
Outdoor plumbing. If there are any exposed pipes, use insulation and have a plumber check them. Turn off outside faucets from the inside and drain, leaving outside handle open.
Fireplace and wood stove. Check that flue damper is opening and closing properly. Check chimney draft by opening the damper and testing with a lit piece of newspaper held up into the chimney. Have a professional clean and inspect the chimney even if you don't frequently use it. Order a supply of firewood or wood stove pellets.
Windows. Put on storm windows. If screens are removable, take them off and store for the winter. You'll enjoy the extra light and the windows will stay cleaner.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change batteries in these appliances and test.
Gutters. Clear gutters of leaves once all leaves are down.
In addition, you should prepare your car now for driving in cold weather and on snowy, icy roads. Connecticut drivers must make an extra effort to prepare for the winter season by maintaining their vehicle and getting it ready for the snow, ice, and pending road conditions. Follow these tips to winterize your car, placing you in the best position to avoid a collision on the roads of Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, and the surrounding areas.
Tires. Check that allweather tires have adequate tread and inflation. Change to snow tires if you use them.
Servicing. Keep up with manufacturerrecommended vehicle servicing. Replace wiper blades if necessary.
Ice scraper. Check that there is an ice or snow scraper in the car.
If an accident does occur due to adverse winter weather, a Hartford car accident lawyer is essential to recovering compensation. For additional information about auto accident claims, please visit http://www.800perkins.com.
