Fall/Winter Home Maintenence

Are you a Mr. or Mrs. Fix-It?  When Old Man Winter moves into town, it really doesn't matter!  You need to prepare your home inside and out to avoid many problems and disasters that can really end up costing you later!

Here are some important tips for getting your home safely through the long, harsh winter!

1. Safety equiptment:  Check and change batteries to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Check expiration date on Fire Extinguisher and make sure they are in good working order.

2.Vents: Clean or change filters once a month or as needed.  Vacuum air conditioning and dryer vents.

3. Roof: Clear gutters and downspouts from leaves and debris.

4. Fireplace: Clean fireplace of ashes. (Fall) Check chimney for loose or missing mortar. Have chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure damper closes tightly. (Spring) Leave damper open for improved ventilation if the home is not air-conditioned.

5. Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows. If you added up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as having a window open. Replace seals as needed.

6. Siding and Paint: Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary. A carpet knife can work well for cutting away old caulking from house siding. Slice down alongside it from both directions with the hook-like blade, then use the knife to lift out the old caulk bead intact.

7. Basement: Check basement walls and floor for dampness. Be sure to clean dehumidifier regularly, if you have one.

8. Heating System: (Fall) Have heating system

serviced. Change filters.

9. Hot Water Heater: (Fall) Drain hot water heater. Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.