Once again, summer has slipped away too quickly and if you believe the predictions of the Farmer’s Almanac, we are in for a winter full of cold, wet weather….. Before the colder weather sets in, take these steps to ensure that your home is prepared for the weather ahead. A few weekends spent working on your home could save you from costly repairs down the road.
Smoke Detectors
Many people check their smoke detectors with the changing of their clocks while others create a schedule of their own. Either way, checking your smoke detectors is an extremely important task especially during a season where woodstoves and fireplaces are in use. It’s a simple chore that can save your life.
Heat Source Maintenance
If you use a furnace, call a licensed HVAC repair specialist and schedule an appointment to have your furnace checked, cleaned and have your filters changed. Most companies recommend changing filters every 90 days, but changing them every 30 days in the colder months will save you $ and extend the life of your unit.
If you have a fireplace, check your flue. If you use a wood burning fireplace, be sure to have your chimney cleaned.
Cover your outdoor air conditioning unit to protect it from ice and snow. Covers are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
Check Windows
You’ve been opening and closing your windows a lot this spring and summer and chances are, dirt and debris have come into your window sills. Even though it doesn’t seem like much, heat can escape through these gaps during the winter. Take the time to inspect and clean each window sill. If weather stripping has worn down, now is the time to replace that as well.
Check around window frames for cracks or gaps. A good rule of thumb is: if you can slide a dollar bill in gap, heat is escaping. Fill any exterior gaps with silicone caulk.
Check and Prepare Hot Water Heater
If you live in an area where hard water sediments are found, now is the perfect time to drain your water heater and clean out sediment as well as checking for rust. Wrapping your hot water heater with an insulated wrap can also help save on your energy bill in addition to maximizing hot water. Adding a timer to your hot water heater will also add energy savings.
Winterize Your Deck
Now that all your patio furniture has been stored for the winter it’s a great time to inspect your deck. Take note of any boards that are split or damaged and replace. If your deck has never been treated, fall is the time to do it. An afternoon spent weatherizing can add years to the life of your deck. You’ll need to pressure wash the deck, let it dry and then apply a water-sealant/protectant.
Clean Gutters and Check the Roof
If you don’t clean out your gutters, you run the risk of water building in them and ice forming which can ruin both the gutters and the roof. It’s also a great time to inspect the gutters and make sure they are still in good shape and to consider gutter protectors which will keep leaves and debris out. While you are up there, check the roof for damage or missing shingles and check the chimney for damage.
Plumbing, Garden Hoses and Appliances
Check all pipes inside and under the house to make sure there are no leaks. Wrapping the pipes in insulation is simple to do. Pipe insulation can be bought with a split up one side and will easily wrap around pipes. This will save your pipes should the temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods of time.
Drain and store your garden hose. If practical, turn water to outdoor spigots off in the winter to ensure pipes don’t freeze. Installing insulated covers over outdoor spigots also help to ensure your pipes don’t freeze in the cold weather.
Check the hoses on your washing machine for cracks or bulges. Most appliance manufactures recommend these be changed every other year.
Check your dryer vent and tubing for lint build-up, debris or bird nests. Make sure the vent cover is secure.
About Highlander Construction and Development
Highlander Construction & Development is a for profit professional company, comprised of dedicated and well trained artisans, built on a commitment to integrity and excellence, that manages and produces improvements to raw land. Whether it is a home remodeling project, construction of distinctive homes and buildings, or the development of new neighborhoods and commercial centers, the company seeks to define value beyond the balancing of quality and price through innovative design, superior craftsmanship, and unmatched customer service.
Highlander Construction & Development specializes in single and multi family residential construction, custom home building, light commercial construction and land development in the New River Valley and southwest Virginia.
Resources from the web:
http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/maintenance/fall-maintenance-tips-for-your-home/
http://www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/2009/09/fall_maitenance_list.html