It’s now officially fall, which, in mid-Atlantic states, means that it’s time to start thinking about preparing for winter. It’s not that you shouldn’t enjoy this happy season of pumpkin spice, hayrides, and haunted houses, but if you are a homeowner in Northern Virginia, there are some specific tasks you need to undertake to make sure that your home is “winterized.” Taking these steps every fall will ensure that you don’t face costly disasters during the coldest months of the year.

1. Winterize the Pipes

You may be “winterizing” the pipes, but this is really a job for autumn. Make sure to completely drain and empty all outdoor piping, like your sprinkler system. Shut off all faucets and valves. Take the extra steps, such as putting all the outdoor hoses away in a shed or garage, and wrapping a sock around the faucets to make sure they won’t be used. And now is the time to check for leaky pipes. Sure, having a plumber come out and take a look may cost a few hundred dollars but, depending on water damage, fixing a blown-out pipe can cost thousands. 

2. Have Your Pest Control on Point

When the weather outside is frightful, you aren’t the only one who will want to be cozy and warm inside your house. Various types of vermin like rats, squirrels, and raccoons will want to hang out at your casa. Mice can get through any home that is the size of a dime or larger. To make sure that you end up with no unwanted guests this winter, take a walk around the perimeter of the house and look for any openings where critters could crawl in. Seal them up with spray foam or steel wool. If you already have a pest problem, bite the bullet and call the exterminator now, before things get much worse. 

3. Out With the Cool, In With the Heat

Now is the time to put away your air conditioner for the winter. If you have a window unit, leaving it up can expose the coils to moisture and freezing, which can kill the unit. Take it out, cover it, and put it in the garage. If you have an outside AC unit, time to cover it up. Now is also the time to make sure your wood-burning fireplace is ready to go - consider a professional sweep to check for any birds’ nests inside your chimney and to clean everything out - and to start your woodpile, which should be kept at least 20 feet from the house to lessen the chances of vermin getting in with the wood.

A few simple steps and you can ensure that your home is ready for winter!