As the year winds down, it is easy to get distracted by holidays and festivities. But we know that true “Wealth” isn’t just about making money—it’s about protecting the assets you already have. And “Health” applies to your home environment just as much as your body.
A few hours of work now can save you thousands of dollars in frozen pipes, broken lawnmowers, and inefficient heating bills later. Here are some tips to winterize your home.
1. Protect Your Pipes
Water expands when it freezes. If that happens inside your pipes or spigots, they burst. The average cost of fixing a burst pipe in the US is over $500—not including the water damage to your walls.
- Disconnect Hoses: Remove all garden hoses from outdoor spigots. Drain them and store them in the shed/garage.
- Install Faucet Covers: These are inexpensive foam domes that insulate your outdoor spigots. They take 30 seconds to install and are the cheapest insurance policy you can buy for your plumbing.
2. Winterize Lawn Equipment
Gasoline has a shelf life. If you leave untreated gas in your mower or leaf blower all winter, it turns into a varnish that clogs the carburetor.
- The “Run Dry” Method: The free way is to simply run your engine until it stalls out of gas.
- The Stabilizer Method: If you have a full tank, add a fuel stabilizer. This chemical keeps the fuel fresh for up to 24 months, ensuring your equipment starts on the first pull next spring.
3. Indoor Air Quality
In winter, we close our windows and seal our homes. This means we are breathing recycled air for months.
- Change Your Furnace Filter: A dirty filter forces your HVAC system to work harder (costing you money) and recirculates dust and allergens (costing you your health). Upgrade to a MERV 8 or MERV 11 filter to trap pet dander and fine dust.
- Check CO Detectors: Since your furnace and fireplace will be running, the risk of Carbon Monoxide increases. Ensure your detectors have fresh batteries. This acts as the “Love” blessing—protecting your family.
4. Seal the Gaps
If you can feel a draft near your doors or windows, you are literally paying to heat the outside.
- Door Draft Stoppers: You don’t need to replace the whole door. A simple slide-on draft stopper or a heavy “snake” at the base of the door can keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
Summary
Taking these steps aligns perfectly with the 5-Bok philosophy. You preserve your Wealth by avoiding repairs, improve your Health with clean air, and ensure the Longevity of your home and tools.
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