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Angie's List home improvement and repair tips

Angie's Featured Tip

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Don't 'fall' behind preparing for winter

Angie’s List fall checklist:

Auto winterization: Mechanics on Angie’s List say October is an ideal time to have your vehicle inspected before the cold weather hits. Angie offers tips on what to have checked and ideas for an emergency kit, in case you do get stranded.

Boat winterization: There’s more to boat ownership than just storing it in a garage over the winter. Proper winterization of your boat will help ensure your days on the water next summer will be smooth sailing. Angie tells you what needs to be done to winterize your boat.

Chimney sweep: It’s essential for homeowners to have their fireplaces and chimneys inspected once a year. Angie tells you why.

Flu shots: Angie gives you the information to help you decide whether a flu shot is right for you.

Garage door maintenance: Garage door maintenance isn’t usually at the top of homeowners’ to-do lists – until the door fails to open. Avoid being locked out of your home in the cold by having your garage door inspected while it’s still warm outside. There are also important safety considerations, especially for parents with young children. Angie lets you know what to look for.

Gutter cleaning: It’s important to have your gutters cleaned twice a year to avoid potentially serious water damage. The late fall season is a good time to do this to prevent a blockage filled with dead leaves and other muck. Angie offers tips on the best way to go about this task.

Heating system maintenance: Home heating costs are expected to reach record levels again this winter, as heating oil costs are projected to increase by more than 33 percent over 2007. That’s even more reason to make sure your heating system is in top shape. Angie offers ways to save on your winter heating bills.

Insulation: If your home isn’t properly insulated, you’re allowing money to escape right out the door as you help heat the outside. Angie’s experts tell you how proper insulation will help cut costs and keep your house warm.

Lawn care: Making sure your lawn is appropriately fed in the fall, so it survives the dormant winter, is the best thing you can do to cultivate healthy grass growth in the spring. Angie offers advice on keeping a healthy lawn.

Leaf removal: Fallen leaves will deprive your grass of crucial sunlight during the fall months. Leaves can also accumulate and get wet, leading to mold growth and attracting pests, such as termites. Angie gives tips for your lawn to have a better shot at surviving the colder temperatures, so it is more likely to flourish when spring arrives

Water heater maintenance: Sediment buildup slows down heat transfer and can lower the efficiency of your water heater by as much as 50 percent. Angie’s List recommends draining water from your heater at least once a year and the fall is a good time to do so. Angie offers other tips on keeping your water heater running efficiently.

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