It'll
home I
know-how
Danny
Lip ford’s
Autumn
To-Do List
It’s hard to beat
cool fall days for
knocking out that
list of outdoor
projects you put off
while the mercury
was through the
roof. While you’re
at it; get your home
ready for cold
weather, too.
IN SU LA TE
O U T LE TS
You might think
your house is
zipped up tight,
but don't overlook
insulating indoor
electrical outlets and
switch covers*
Foam switch and
outlet gaskets save
energy and are a cinch
to install Just turn off
the circuit breaker,
unscrew the cover,
press the foam gasket
in place, and replace
the cover.
Stop even smaller
drafts from entering
through unused
outlets by inserting
plastic childproof
shock guards.
SER VICE
YOUR
SN O W BLO W ER
Don't wait for the
white stuff to crank
up your snowblower.
That way if it doesn't
start now, you can
have it fixed before
the line at the service
counter is around
the block.
To get your
snowblower ready,
change the oil,
replace the spark plug,
lubricate, check belts
for wear, inflate
tires, and spray the
discharge chute with
silicone to keep it
from dogging.
You should also fill
the tank with gas, but
make sure it's fresh.
Anytime you use your
blower, the gas should
be no more than 30
days old. Otherwise
your blower may be
difficult to start.
While we're on the
topic of snowblowers,
this is a good time
to review safety
precautions. Always
turn off the
snowblower when
unclogging, and use a
long stick rather than
your hands. To prevent
carbon monoxide
poisoning, never run a
snowblower in an
enclosed space.
PREPARE
FOR
FIR E S
Who doesn't like
sitting by a warm fire
on a cold night?
Whether you buy
firewood or cut it
yourself, stock up
early to give it time to
dry. Stack it off the
ground and away from
your house to keep
termites at bay. Cover
the top of the pile to
protect the wood from
snow and rain, but
leave the sides open
so the logs can
air-dry.
The best firewood
is seasoned hardwood,
but pine is tops for
kindling. Don't even
think about burning
treated or painted
wood; it can release
dangerous fumes.
If you haven't had
your fireplace cleaned
and inspected by a
professional in the last
year, now's the time.
Always open
the damper before
starting a fire, use a
fireplace screen, and
don't leave the fire
unattended, Once the
fire is out, make sure
ashes are cold before
removing, and dose
the damper to prevent
heat from going up
the chimney.
Danny is the host o f the
nationally syndicated
show T od ay’s Hom eowner
wrfh D anny
L ip fo rd
(dannylipford.com).
Join the
M
y
B
O
N
I V
A
H
P
r
o
g
r
a
m
for Sally’s
,
plus one month o f
BON I VA free!
MyBONIVA is a free program that gives
you lips from Sally, ideas, and support
to help manage your osteoporosis.
You'll get:
* One month of BONiVA free*
• Sally Field's tips on managing your
osteoporosis and building stronger
bones.
• Helpful monthly reminders to take
your BONIVA, delivered by phone,
e-mail, or mail
* Quarterly newsletters filled with
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*You mus< be 13 years of age or older to join
MyBONIVA.
The
free
Inal
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h
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MyflONIVA is o registered bodemork of Rodie Therapeutics Inc.
1 2 0
HKTTElt HOMES AND
V. A U
DENS |
OCTOBER
2010
BHC.COII
