Homes Plus
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/206169
WAUKESHA + HOMES Your Guide to Homes, Home Improvement, Lawn & Garden and MORE! A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • November 2013 CONTENTS Reinvent your Christmas décor ■ How to recognize and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning ■ Home improvement tricks to avoid the winter blues ■ Keep mice in mind when winterizing your home ■ Safe and easy snow removal tips ■ Planting thoughts for next year: Xeric gardening Best to stay on task when it comes to preparing your home for winter Economical tips could save thousands By Jody L. Mayers HOMES PLUS CORRESPONDENT WAUKESHA – Nick Kerzner, owner of Kerzner Remodeling & Construction said there are a number of basic things that can be done when it comes to preparing your home for the winter months ahead, including covering the top of outside air conditioners. "Many people think they should bundle these things up like a 10-year-old waiting for a school bus in January, but simply placing a piece of plywood over the top keeps debris out and allows the unit to expel condensation," he said. "Wrapping them up doesn't allow them to breathe and also make a great condo for rodents and insects." Another must on Kerzner's list Submitted photo Photo by Dwayne Butler/Homes Plus Local expert Nick Kerzner says now is the right time to clean leaves out of your gutters and place a cover on top of your central air conditioner unit in preparation for the winter months. is cleaning out the gutters. Over summer and fall the gutters will catch debris, especially wooded lots, he said. "Full gutters can increase the likelihood of ice damming and prepare for major issues in the following spring," he explained. "Full gutters will hold water during thaw cycles and in extreme cases cause damage to gutters by expanding freezing water. See WINTER/Page 3