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.
1. Clean gutters + downspouts
Falling leaves clog them fast. Clear them out so water drains away properly and doesn’t freeze or cause roof damage.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. Protect your pipes
Insulate any exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, or garages. For cottages and seasonal homes, consider shutting off and draining water lines.
5. Seal drafts
Check windows, doors, and even older foundations for air leaks. Weatherstripping and caulking are simple fixes that make a huge difference.
6. 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.
7. Yard + garden cleanup
Trim trees near the house to avoid branches falling in storms, rake leaves, and protect young or delicate plants.
8. Store outdoor furniture + gear
Put away patio furniture, garden hoses, and summer tools. Drain and store hoses to avoid splits.
9. Safety check
Test smoke + CO detectors, and make sure you’ve got a stock of firewood, salt, and sand for icy days.
10. 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.