Archive for the ‘Winterizing’ Category

Save Money By Winterizing Your Windows

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Winterizing to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Winterizing experts.

If there is one thing that is dreaded during winter, it is the heating bills. More so now that heating costs are rising up. You can, of course, cut down your heating expenses, and one of the most effective ways to do this is by winterizing your windows. Authorities said that winterizing windows can reduce heating expenses by 20 to 30%, which, in general terms, can mean a considerable amount of dollars. The primary goal of winterizing windows is to prevent heat loss, and here are some ways you can do this:

1. Know your windows. Before you embark into your winterization task, first figure what types of windows you have. Doing so will enable you to find the compatible treatment and installations needed. There are varied types of windows: single-hung, double-hung, horizontal sliding, swing out, and slat piece, among others. Also, consider how old your windows are, because if they are rather old and function quite unfavorably, perhaps what you need to do is replace them. Though this move may cost you more, this is more practical in the long run.

2. Check the windows for leaks. There are a lot of ways to do this, and one is with the use of a candle. Hold a lit candle at least four inches from the window, and notice if the flame flickers; if it does, great chances you’ve spotted the leak. You can also use an incense stick. Watch the smoke trail as it moves with air current; it will lead you to a leak, if there is.

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about Winterizing. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?

3. Install weatherstripping to remedy leaks. The type of weatherstripping to use and how to install it depends on the type of your window. You can buy a weatherstripping kit or buy the materials separately. Some of the materials often used are felt, aluminum, and vinyl. Install weatherstripping along frames, sash, and sides, depending on the type of your window.

4. Caulk your windows. Caulking is done to seal any cracks and gaps on your windows. Apply caulk around the frame, sash, or anywhere there is a crack that encourages heat loss. Interior caulking is better, although exterior caulking is also done for weatherproofing. Caulk wears out over time, so it is important to replace and re-apply when winterizing.

5. Cover the windows with shrink plastic. While this doesn’t appeal aesthetically, plastic can be an easy solution to leaky windows. You can cover either the outside or inside windows, although some prefer the latter. With double-sided tapes plastered on the window frames, attach the shrink plastic, which you can buy from home improvement stores, and spread across the windows. Use a hair dryer to shrink and smoothen out the plastic. In place of a shrink plastic, you can use plastic wrap for food.

6. Install blinds. Match it with multi-layered treatments such as vinyl-backed curtains and draperies. This way, you can keep the warm air in and the cold air out. It is recommended to have as much layers as you can to keep more warm air inside. In place of blinds, drapes alone would do just as well in winterizing your windows.

As your knowledge about Winterizing continues to grow, you will begin to see how Winterizing fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Free Google Traffic System and make sure to visit my bonus site!

Winterization Within Budget

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Energy bills could run very high during winter. Winterizing or preparing for the winter may also be a problem for your purse. There are ways in which you could increase your home’s heating efficiency but at the same time, cur down a little from your previous winter electric bill.

There are things which you could do on your own. There are some homeowners who would hire professional help from plumbers, electricians and contractors. But during this stage of crisis and financial hardship, we can use some simple, do-it-your own and within the budget winterization process.

? Hiring somebody to winterize your home could be expensive. You could start learning on how you could do it from books in your local library or by tackling some cracks and holes. You could also visit websites that could give you sufficient information and even step-by-step procedures.

? You could use plastic sheets when covering unused windows and doors. They could easily be bought in different stores like home improvement shops.

? Do not forget the dryer vent and the area surrounding your washing machine and kitchen sink pipes. Any holes would let the cold wind in and is wasted energy. You could use foam or foam board which can be bought in hardware stores.

? Avoid using your ventilating fans in the kitchen and bathroom since it would suck your heated air out.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Winterizing experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Winterizing.

? If you have rooms that are not occupied, then it is better to seal off the vent and the doors of these rooms. Imagine keeping the room heated when nobody is even using or going in it.

? Dirty filters are not only dirty, they could also mean more money. Dirt could clog the filters and would eventually cause the filters to work harder and longer.

? You could pull your curtains off the window every morning to let the sunshine and some warmth in the room. At night, your could draw back the curtains to contain the heat and separate the windows from the rest of the heated house.

Preparing your home and your property is not the only thing that you would have to winterize. You would also need to prepare your freezer and your family members for the winter. Summer is a great time for buying sales of fresh produce. You could start stocking up during summer for the winter. You could buy canned fruits, vegetables and meat. Having enough food is important since winter would often mean roads closed, power outages, and harsh weather to be outside. Some would even have extra money with them in case of emergencies.

Aside from fresh produce, you could also start buying equipment that you may need, for example some tape to cover cracks where cold air could pass through. You could also start washing your blankets even before winter strikes. This would save you enough time and at the same time the hassle of preparing the blankets once the first freeze comes in.

Winterizing frugally can be pretty hard. Besides, winter is the most expensive season there is. Energy bills could take a chunk out of your funds. Anyway, it is important to put your family’s comfort and health before anything else.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Free Google Traffic System and make sure to visit my bonus site!

Winterizing Your Pool: How To Keep It From Winter Damage

Monday, January 4th, 2010

Winter is not the best time for your pool, so before the snowy season comes in with full force, you should prepare your pool for the tough weather. Winterizing your pool guarantees you that it would survive the season and be spared from possible winter damages.

Pools differ from one another, that is why it is best to consult your pool manufacturer about properly winterizing your pool. But although that’s the case, there are general guidelines in winterizing pools, which would give you a good head start. Here’s a few of them:

1. Remove any deck equipment. This includes ladders, diving boards, rails, and slides. Store them in places where they will be secure and away from the harsh weather.

2. Check the water’s chemical balance. The pH level should be anywhere between 7.2 to 7.6; alkalinity, 80 to 120 ppm; and calcium hardness, 180 to 220 ppm. If the water chemistry is unbalanced, you run the risk of damaging the pool surface. Chemical winterizing kits, which contain the necessary chemical treatments, are available from pool supply stores. Use them as instructed in the product label.

The more authentic information about Winterizing you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Winterizing expert. Read on for even more Winterizing facts that you can share.

3. Blow out the water from pumping, heating, and filtering systems. You can use a shop vac or air compressor to do this job. Make sure all water comes out. By draining these systems, you avoid the possibility of freezing water and cracking the lines.

4. Lower the water level. This is necessary if your pool has tile liner, because when the water expands, it can push outward and may crack the tile. Keep the water 4 to 6 inches below the skimmer. However, if you have drained your underground pipes and are using gizzmos to plug the skimmer, there is no need to lower the water lever. Remember, the higher the water, the better for the pool to hold the cover.

5. Clean the pool. Remove leaves and other debris using a filter or net. Some owners prefer not to clean the pool, especially if there’s only a few floating debris, and clean it only upon opening the pool in the spring. That would be a logical choice since there is always the possibility of debris getting their way into the pool. However, it is still advisable to clean the pool before closing it for winter to ensure you of clean water come spring.

6. Cover the pool. This will keep debris out of the pool and prevent algae build-up. Pool covers come in different varieties and likewise offer various advantages and disadvantages. Regardless, choose the cover that provides the most protection and fits your pool the best. When installing the cover, make sure the wire is tight enough, so no amount of wind can topple off the cover and expose your pool. To provide support, you can use air pillow or any other floating devices. These devices absorb ice expansion in the pool and prevent the pool sides from cracking.

Be extra careful when winterizing your pool. If you have any questions, contact your pool manufacturer or any pool expert. Don’t take chances, as repairs are painfully costly.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Free Google Traffic System and make sure to visit my bonus site!

Winterizing Your Garden: The Basics To Follow

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

Due to the freezing cold, harrowing winds and frost, and possible snowstorms, winter poses a great many challenges for any gardener. At this time of the year, plants are more at risk for developing diseases and eventually dying. You don’t want either of that to happen to your plants, do you? So to prevent any eventualities, you have to winterize your garden. The main reason for winterizing your garden is to protect your plants from the harsh winter elements and help them survive the cold season, so you can have a healthy and productive garden in the spring. Garden winterization is done during the fall season, just before the cold temperature sets in.

Gardens vary in the same way that gardeners do. But although gardens differ, there are winterization procedures that are applicable to all garden types. Here’s a few of them:

1. Rake off leaves from your garden. Doing so prevents diseases among plants and allows proper air and water circulation. Dispose of the leaves by adding them onto your compost. However, if the leaves are from diseased plants, throw them into the garbage to prevent the compost from being contaminated.

2. Cover plants with mulch. This will act as blanket to protect your plants from frost and winter extreme weathers. Unless your place is in the colder zone, use thin layers of mulch, as thick and compact mulch may work against your plants. Use sawdust, pine needles, straw, or shredded leaves as mulch, and apply them around the roots and over the beds.

3. Relocate delicate plants indoors. All plants that can’t survive winter weathers should be moved inside. Place them in a cool and dry place; do not forget to water them regularly. Do not, however, over-water the plants, as this may result in rot. As soon as the spring approaches, place them in sunlit areas.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Winterizing is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Winterizing.

4. Plant hardy, spring-blooming bulbs in the late fall. By this time, the soil is soft enough to accommodate bulbs. It is recommended to plant them two to three inches from the ground. The more delicate bulbs, on the other hand, should be kept indoors, particularly in a cool and dry room, as they can’t stand the winter cold outside.

5. Do not fertilize. Fertilizing encourages new growths that will be too tender to survive frosts and cold temperature. Should you need to fertilize, do this early in the fall. All fertilization should be put to a halt by mid- to late fall and resume only in the spring.

6. Clean up your plants. Remove the dead and damaged parts, then add the trimmings to the compost pile, unless of course they are cut from diseased plants.

7. Eliminate the weeds. Because weeds grow a lot during the fall, get rid of them as soon as you spot their presence. Otherwise, they will multiply uncontrollably and give you a lot of work come springtime.

When winterizing your garden, figure the possible winter extremes in your area, so you can adjust and better prepare your plants for the coming season.

Now you can be a confident expert on Winterizing. OK, maybe not an expert. But you should have something to bring to the table next time you join a discussion on Winterizing.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Free Google Traffic System and make sure to visit my bonus site!

Winterizing Yourself

Monday, December 7th, 2009

When you think about Winterizing, what do you think of first? Which aspects of Winterizing are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.

Your pool, vehicle, home and even your garden is prepared for the winter. However, it is not just property that needs some winterizing. You would also need to prepare your body for the cold climate ahead of you. You would need to keep yourself warm and at the same time check your overall health.

You start by making sure that your home is insulated and warm. There are insulation covers which can be used to cover pipes. Windows, cracks, and even doors should be covered properly to make sure that there are no cold air seeping inside your home. Keeping your home warm would need a steady supply of heat. Even before winter comes, make sure that the heater or the furnace is repaired and checked. You do not want your central supply of heater breaking down in the middle of harsh, cold weather.

Make yourself warm with warm clothes. Make sure that you and your family are completely covered when going out. Eating hot meals would also help your body warm. Be sure to cover up every night. Sometimes, you may need an extra sheet, then don’t think too much about the laundry. Make sure that you and your children are properly covered every night.

During winter, having colds is not new. Actually, the American Lung Association said that in their studies, American adults would suffer from colds two or four times a year. This would normally happen between September to May. Aside from colds, you are also susceptible to flu or influenza. To keep your body healthy through the winter, it is important to strengthen your immune system. You could do that by taking vitamin C and selenium for additional support for immune system .

Most of this information comes straight from the Winterizing pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know.

Since people would normally spend their indoors more of the time, the spread of germs could be faster during winter. When you have colds or flu, or any viral disease, then it may be better to avoid being in contact with other people. Make sure that you have extra towels in the bathroom, one for those who have been infected with the virus and one for those who are not. You could get vitamin C from fruits and juices. But since winter would also mean high prices of fresh fruit, then taking vitamin C tablets is essential.

In addition to flu and colds, gastroenteritis is also a common sickness. This is a case when there is inflammation in the stomach lining because of a virus, bacteria or a parasite.

Aside from sicknesses and illnesses, you can also be prone to dry hands, rough elbows, and chapped lips. There are effective measures how you can prevent or resolve these problems. For example, during winter, the hands are more prone to dehydrating. You could start by using gloves when outdoors and even when doing the dishes. Moisturize after washing your hands.

For lips, there are lip balms which can be used to moisten chapped lips, chapped lips could be painful, there can be instances when lips that are chapped would actually become bloodied because of the cracks. There are also body moisturizers which can be used to keep the body moist.

So at the end of the day, your house, vehicle and property is winterized. But never forget yourself. What is good about winterizing your property when you are not even feeling well and comfortable during winter.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO and make sure to claim your $1 trial membership!

Winterizing Your House: The Five Parts You Should Focus On

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

There is no better way to prepare for the coming cold season other than winterizing your house. It would spare you from high heating expenses, equipment repair, and, of course, chilly nights and days. Start prepping up your abode during the fall, just before the temperature hits below the freezing point.

Here are five parts of your house you should inspect. You can manage some of the tasks all on your own, although in some cases you need to have professional assistance.

1. Fireplace. Your fireplace is one part of the house that can help you get through all winter, so get it ready very early on. Start with the chimney. You can have a certified chimney sweep to do an inspection and remove anything that might have been trapped in the chimney, usually balls, birds, and the likes. To prevent any foreign object getting into the chimney, you can protect it with a cap or screen. The woodstove should also be thoroughly cleaned of creosote and, as advised by experts, have glass doors that must be kept closed when the stove is not in use. Inspect the fireplace damper as well and, like the woodstove, it should be closed when not in use. Then, start collecting firewood and store them in a secure, dry place.

2. Furnace. Inspection and cleaning of furnace requires professional assistance, which will cost about $100. Replace furnace filters monthly or at least after every six months. An old and dirty filter obstructs airflow, inevitably affecting its performance. Although it is rare, it can also cause fire. Also, consider the possibility of buying a new furnace if it is quite old, say more than 10 years old, and in need of constant repair. Remember, an inefficient and malfunctioning furnace pumps up the heating costs.

Now that we’ve covered those aspects of Winterizing, let’s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

3. Door. You wouldn’t want cold air to come gushing from your door, so winterize your door by sealing any crack and installing weatherstripping on the sides and top of the door and door sweep on its bottom.

4. Roof. Inspect if the roof misses a tile, shingle, or nail; has the flashings and metal plates damaged; needs caulking; or is generally in bad shape. If it is, you need to have someone fix the roof and replace any worn-out parts. If there is one thing that will protect the whole house from winter, it is your roof, so make sure it can stand the whole season.

5. Gutters. Your first concern is to check if the gutters are securely and firmly fastened to the roof. If they are not, immediately call for a roofing professional to fix the problem. Then, clean the gutters and remove leaves and other debris that have fallen into the gutters. Hose them down if necessary. Check if the gutters have leaks and if the downspouts are efficiently driving water away.

These are only five parts of the house, but there are other parts that you should look into when winterizing your house. Remember, the house should be prepared inside and out, so check every nook and cranny.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO and make sure to claim your $1 trial membership!

Winterizing Water Pipes: How To Keep Them Freeze-Free

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

Frozen, burst water pipes are a nightmare. Not only do they cause flooding and other serious water problems, but they also leave structural damages on the flooring, basement, and some parts of the house. Winter, by all means, is not friendly to plumbing and pipes, and if they are not winterized, you are likely to spend some amount for costly repairs. Save your pipes from winter damages, and do the following steps in winterizing water pipes.

1. Shut off the water system if you are leaving the house for a while. Turn on the indoor faucets and showers to drain. Then, remove water from toilet tanks. You can use an air compressor to siphon all remaining water from the lines. Scoop out water from toilet bowls, and add antifreeze solution to the residual water. Next, focus on the outside plumbing. Turn off the shut-off vent, which in some houses are located in the basement, and turn on the outdoor faucets to drain. When the faucets are all on, go back to the vent and turn the plug to drain the remaining water. Do not forget to drain the in-ground sprinkler as well. When you are sure there is no longer water that can possibly freeze and burst the pipes, turn the plug back and turn off all the faucets.

2. Insulate water pipes, especially those that are exposed and are in unheated areas (garage, basement, and crawl spaces). You can use insulating tape, a heat-producing electrical cord, to cover the pipes. Use the same material to wrap outdoor faucets. In place of insulating tape, you can use fiberglass insulation, molded foam rubber sleeves, rags, or plastic.

If you don’t have accurate details regarding Winterizing, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

3. Let the faucet on and allow water to run. Do this particularly when the temperature hits below freezing point. Although this can add to your water bill, you can reduce the likelihood of having frozen pipes by keeping the water moving. No need for a torrential stream; tiny water drips are sufficient.

4. Replace or seal broken pipes early on. Nothing guarantees winter freeze damage better than cracked and worn out pipes, so do an early inspection. Also, make sure to caulk around the pipes to prevent leaks.

5. Regularly monitor your water flow. In case, there is no water in some parts of the house, check if there is a frozen pipe anywhere in your basement, in the crawl space, or under the kitchen and bathroom cabinets. When you have located the frozen pipe, use a hair dyer to blow heat to the pipe. Do not use an open flame. If there is no water in the entire house, call a plumber to spot leaks and frozen pipes in your city water service.

Do not overlook the pipes. Just as you need winter coats and mittens to survive the winter, your pipes need to be prepared for the coming cold. Whether it is your weekend home or main house, make sure to winterize your water pipes. For more help in winterizing water pipes, contact your trusty plumber.

That’s how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO and make sure to claim your $1 trial membership!

Boat Winterizing

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Unlike your home and vehicle which you could see and check everyday during winter, boats are harder to check. Aside from that, it is important to winterize your boat properly to ensure better performance and longer life. Insurance policies may not cover damages caused by neglect or improper boat maintenance. When winterizing, you start by removing your boat from the water and putting it in a covered, dry place. Boats left in the open during winter would eventually have problems. Heavy snow can force the scuppers, thru-hull fittings and event the gunnels.

When winterizing your boat, always check its manual. Since the steps and recommendations from the manufacturer about winterization is already stated there. You could also get somebody who is experienced with winterizing boats, especially if you are not completely confident with your skills or if it is your first time to own a boat.

Here are things that you would need to keep in mind when winterizing a boat:

? Keep the fuel tank full. This would ensure that there is just a small space for it to expand. Condensation could cause the fuel to expand and lead to corrosion and clogging.

? Protect your engine. Run the engine before changing the oil. A warm oil will make it easier for the impurities to be removed or drained. Change the oil filters. During cold season, the oil would settle on the bottom of the engine block. This may expose other parts of the engine to humidity and corrosion. To avoid this, you could spray fogging oil and removing spark plugs.

If you don’t have accurate details regarding Winterizing, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

? Outboard engines should be washed with soap and water. Then drain the water from the engine. In addition, remove all fuel from the carburetor.

? Check the propeller whether it may need repairs. You could have them repaired during the winterization process.

? Clean both the interior and exterior of the boat. After cleaning the exterior, add some polish on the surface. This would protect the boat from dirt and dust.

? Drain all the water tanks. You may also add a non-toxic antifreeze into the water system.

Aside from tanks, water should also be drained from the sea strainer. Most of the times, the seawater strainer is not relieved of any water. This could damage the seal and will only show its damage when spring comes and bilges is flooded. Also remove any important belongings inside your boa, like valuables, fire extinguishers, flares, fenders and other valuables and electronics. You could have a dehumidifier inside the boat to make sure that mildew will not invade your boat’s interior.

Where you keep your boat during the winter is also a factor. It is important to keep your boat covered. Usually, canvass boat covers about 8 to 10 ounces of canvass would be enough. The bat should also be undercovered to protect it against dust, dirt, and pests. there are also boat owners who consider doing the shrink-wrapping of a boat. You could always purchase do-it-yourself kits to safeguard or when winterizing your boat.

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of Winterizing. Share your new understanding about Winterizing with others. They’ll thank you for it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO and make sure to claim your $1 trial membership!

Winterizing Your Home

Friday, November 27th, 2009

Preparing your home for the winter is essential. Aside from living comfortably during the harsh temperature, winterizing would also help in extending the life of your home and avoid problems in the future.

Preparing your home for the winter can be done by professional plumber, electrician or contractor. However, there are also other things that you could do on your own. How do you prepare your home for the winter? Here are some things that you could keep in mind.

? Check and clean you gutters. Remove the leaves, twigs and other branches that may be blocking your gutter. You could clean them by hand or by a scraper. This can clog the drains which would later cause the water to back up and freeze in the gutter. This would eventually seep into the walls of the house. Make sure that your gutters do not have cracks and the pipes are properly aligned.

? Work on those cracks and leaks. Look for those leaks and cracks in your home and block them. According to the EarthWorks Group, an average American would have leaks that amount to a nine-square-feet hole in the wall. Cold air could slip inside your home and hot air to escape. This would add up to bigger fuel cost.

? Turn on your furnace to check if it is working even if the coldest weather has not yet arrived. Furnaces should be cleaned and maintained once a year. You could get a professional to check the furnace. Change the filters monthly since dirty filters could cause fire.

Now that we’ve covered those aspects of Winterizing, let’s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

? Check your air ducts. If the duct work is not properly connected, about 60 % of heated air is lost, meaning a lot of energy is consumed without even benefiting the residents.

? Changing windows could be expensive, but it would surely help in the providing protection and warmth. Aside from storm windows, there are also the window insulator kits. These kits however, are not too attractive to look at and only temporary, but they are definitely inexpensive. You would just have to affix it into the interior side of the window.

? Avoid pipes bursting. Make sure that water hose, pipe lines are drained and turned off. Insulate your pipelines, you could wrap them with foam rubber or with heating tape.

? Aside from insulating your pipes, you should also check the insulation in the attic. The recommended thickness for attic insulation would be about 12 inches. Also check the basement and the exterior walls if they are properly insulated.

? It is important to have you chimneys, fireplaces and woodstoves cleaned. They may have accumulated debris and soot over the time is was not used which can cause some problems once you started using them again. For chimneys, it is better to seal or cover them with chimney caps and screens to keep out birds and rodents.

Inspecting and winterizing your home would not only help you against the winter ahead, but it would also help you reduce on your fuel costs. Unchecked and non properly maintained parts of your home could cause safety issues and the same tine increase your maintaining cost.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO and make sure to claim your $1 trial membership!

Winterizing Your RV: A How-To Guide

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

The fall season, just when the summer’s up and all the getaways are done, is the best time to park your RV and prepare it for hibernation during winter. Although you can pay someone to do it for you, winterizing your RV on your own is quite a satisfying adventure. Sure, it would entail some amount of hard work, but it guarantees you a hands-on maintenance and, of course, savings.

If this is your first time winterizing, don’t be overwhelmed by the task. Think of it as a routine RV check up. To help you, here’s an RV winterizing guideline.

1. Mind the plumbing. A great part of the RV winterizing tasks deals with preventing winter-frozen water lines and pipes, but all these are manageable. First, drain the fresh water tank by opening the faucets until all water comes out. Do the same to the showers, toilet tanks, and bowls. You can use an air compressor to help you siphon out all the water. Then, by-pass your water heater using a by-pass kit provided by the RV manufacturer. To prevent the remaining water from freezing, treat it with RV antifreeze solution.

Pump the antifreeze solution into the water system using a pump conversion kit, which uses a tube that transports the solution from its container into the water system. Then, check if the solution has been flushed into the water system by opening one faucet at a time. If the faucet releases something pink (the color of antifreeze solution), it means the antifreeze solution has made its way into the water system. See if all the faucets, showers, and toilet sinks and bowls do the same. Finally, pour around four to five ounces of antifreeze into the drains.

Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there’s more to Winterizing than you may have first thought.

2. Clean the RV. All consumable items?food, beverages, medicines, and the likes?should be disposed of. Remember, rodents are likely to be looking for a snug place to spend the winter, and all these items attract them to your RV. You don’t want your RV to be their choice of home because, as you know, rodents have a notorious reputation of messing up any place they end up living in. To keep them out and all the other nasty insects, close every tiny hole they may use to get through with brass wool or aluminum.

3. Turn off all appliances. The refrigerator, particularly, should be thoroughly cleaned. Get rid of all its contents and keep it open to allow air circulation and prevent it from stinking. The air conditioner is also another concern. Clean before shutting it down for the winter and cover it with plastic.

4. Have a moisture control at hand. Some RV owners use chemical absorbents inside the RV to prevent moisture and consequently the development of mold and mildew. Others, meanwhile, find charcoal as effective.

5. Cover the RV. This will protect the RV from snow and water. But make sure to use the cover that doesn’t trap moisture inside. Some advise getting a cover made of breathable materials.

6. Have a double check-up. Even if you think you’ve done all you need to do in winterizing your RV, it doesn’t hurt to re-check things. See if there is an unplugged appliance, if one window is open, if a light is turned on, etc. This can assure you that there’ll be no heartbreaking and unnecessary surprises waiting for you come springtime.

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of Winterizing. Share your new understanding about Winterizing with others. They’ll thank you for it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, owner of this site as well: Wealth Upgrade Club (click to claim your FREE membership)!