Good advice on the chimneys, Wendy. While the city folks are worrying about their thermostats on Glenwood, those of us out in Wendell have to think about the real infrastructure.

When those ice storms hit and the power goes out, your wood stove is a lifesaver, but only if you kept up with maintenance. Same goes for your septic pump, do not let your system freeze up because you neglected the scheduled pump out.

Do not forget about the crawlspace when the temperatures drop. As the dew point changes, managing the relative humidity under your house is critical.

If you have foundation vents, make sure they are closed for the winter to prevent cold air from drafting under your floors and freezing your pipes. High moisture levels in the winter can lead to wood rot just as easily as in the humid summer, so keep an eye on those vents.

Carl is spot on about the pipes. Years ago in Cary, we forgot to disconnect our garden hoses before the first hard freeze in December.

The pipe burst inside the wall, and we did not find out until we had a mini-waterfall in our sunroom during the next thaw. It was a massive mess and a very expensive lesson. My takeaway is to always walk around the house and disconnect every single hose by Thanksgiving.

I have been trying to get a chimney sweep out to Brier Creek for three weeks now. The waiting game is real.

It seems like everyone waits until the first cold snap to call. If anyone knows a reliable local crew with current availability, please let me know!

For our historic properties in Oakwood, winter preparation requires a very delicate touch. Old sash windows with their original weights can be incredibly drafty, but please do not seal them shut with modern caulk. Instead, utilize heavy curtains and proper bronze weatherstripping.

If you are using a wood stove near historic lime mortar and plaster, ensure you have the proper clearance to prevent the heat from drying out and cracking the plaster walls.