Naperville INside out

Now that you've had a chance to take care of those outside "chores", or at least assigned them to the appropriate people, let's move inside and see what needs to be done there.

Furnace-before you need to fire it up for the winter, have it cleaned and "tuned up". Once that's taken care of be sure to change your furnace filters monthly. This helps your furnace run more efficiently.

Smoke detectors/Carbon Monoxide detectors-first of all make sure you have both of them! The "fall back" time change provides a good reminder to check their batteries and make sure they're working properly.

Fire extinguishers-make sure you have one, especially in the kitchen. If you've had one for awhile you should probably just replace it. They're usually good for 10 years, but who wants to find out it's expired when you need to put out that inferno raging on the stove.

Windows-don't forget to replace your summer screens with your winter storm windows...unless of course you have those lovely thermal double pane windows...This is also a good time to check the window seals and caulk them if they're cracking or have gaps. This prevents that winter wind from whistling through your house!

To prevent freezing pipes-drain any pipes that run through an unheated area (like the garage, unheated porch, or crawlspace). If they're in use year round wrap them with foam insulation to prevent them from freezing.

Fireplace/Chimney-before you have that crackling fire to fight off the chill in the air, have your chimney professionally cleaned.

That should cover most of the main areas. Let me know if you have any tips you'd like to pass along, I'd be glad to post them as well!

Happy raking, Naperville leaf collection starts October 20 and runs through November 26. To participate rake your leaves into the street, next to the curb, (avoiding the storm drains of course) at the beginning of each two week cycle Oct 20, Nov 3, Nov 17. Your leaves will be gobbled up by city crews once every two weeks. Remember leaves only...we wouldn't want to damage those cool leaf eating machines. For more info visit www.naperville.il.us/leafcollection.aspx