As the leaves start to fall in Prince Edward County, it’s the perfect time to give your home a little seasonal TLC. From cleaning gutters and booking a furnace tune-up, to prepping your well and septic before the ground freezes, a few smart steps now can save a lot of headaches later. Country homes especially benefit from being “winter-ready”—think power outage kits, chimney cleaning, and tucking away patio furniture before the snow flies. Below are a few tips to help you be ready.
- Clean gutters + downspouts
Falling leaves clog them fast. Clear them out so water drains away properly and doesn’t freeze or cause roof damage.
- Check your roof + chimney
Look for missing shingles or loose flashing, and have your chimney cleaned if you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove (lots of PEC homes do).
- Service your furnace + fireplace
Book a tune-up before the cold sets in. If you heat with oil or propane, top up tanks early to avoid winter shortages.
- Protect your pipes
Insulate any exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, or garages. For cottages and seasonal homes, consider shutting off and draining water lines.
- Seal drafts
Check windows, doors, and even older foundations for air leaks. Weatherstripping and caulking are simple fixes that make a huge difference.
- Prep the well + septic
Test your well water now (a good habit) and make sure septic tanks are pumped if needed—before the ground freezes.
- Yard + garden cleanup
Trim trees near the house to avoid branches falling in storms, rake leaves, and protect young or delicate plants.
- Store outdoor furniture + gear
Put away patio furniture, garden hoses, and summer tools. Drain and store hoses to avoid splits.
- Safety check
Test smoke + CO detectors, and make sure you’ve got a stock of firewood, salt, and sand for icy days.
- Prep for winter power outages
Out here in the County, storms can knock power out. Keep flashlights, batteries, and a backup heat source (if possible) on hand.