Babyboomers.com

Taking the time now to complete some simple fall projects will conserve energy and protect homeowners from untimely mishaps during the winter season. The Tim Allen Signature Tools (TAST) company encourages homeowners to get started now on performing some do-it-yourself projects to prepare for winter.

“Even if your tool box is somewhat scarce, there are several things around the house to get prepared for winter that just about anybody can do,” Allen said. Following is Allen’s list of the top ten fall projects that homeowners can do to prepare their homes for the cold winter months ahead.

10. Clean the chimney (you never know what might be coming down it)

9. Spread mulch over flower beds (don’t put mulch over wife’s flowered bedspread)

8. Inspect and clean the furnace (unless you have an enormous surplus of wool blankets)

7.. Install storm windows (trust me, it’s simple)

6. Check the roof for leaks and damaged shingles (I got that tip from Noah himself)

5. Clean the gutters (you wouldn’t believe the things I’ve found up there)

4. Drain sediment from the water heater (this one’s guaranteed to add excitement to your day)

3. Check for proper insulation (improper insulation is simply in bad taste)

2. Repair cracks in concrete walkways (before the winter ice finds them first)

1. Seal out drafts (remember, you go in your home to stay out of the wind)

Checking for proper insulation and sealing out drafts will make your home more comfortable and energy efficient during the winter months. Each fall, check doors and windows throughout your home for drafts. Use weather stripping around drafty doors and windows, and seal out drafts from windows with a custom insulator kit. Install insulation throughout your home where needed. Try using TAST’s award-winning Nack Knife for cutting weather stripping and insulation to size. The Nack Knife is the first utility knife to feature a rotary cartridge of 30 sharp blades that can be changed with the flick of a switch. This feature makes it safer than other utility knives because blades never have to be manually changed.

Fall projects also can be great opportunities to spend time with family. Encourage children to help, or supervise their work with projects around the house. Sealing out drafts and installing storm windows are examples of fall projects that are safe and easy enough to invite the participation of children. TAST has a line of children’s tools and project kits that introduce them to tools, enabling them to make small repairs and to build things on their own.

Tim Allen founded TAST in 1996 with the intent to take something he loves – tools – and turn it into a venture that allowed him to help children and their families. Allen donates a portion of his profits from TAST to kids’ educational and charitable programs. TAST aims to bridge the gap between the innovator and the end consumer by welcoming inventors to submit their tool inventions and ideas. TAST manufactures a full line of innovative tools and accessories for adults and children. For more information, contact Christine McConnell, Karwoski & Courage Public Relations, (612) 342-4344 phone, (612) 342-9700 fax, E-mail: cmcconn@martinwilliams.com.

Courtesy of Article Resource Association, www.aracopy.com