As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, a well-prepared home makes all the difference. A few smart steps now can save you money, prevent damage, and keep your family safe and comfortable throughout the colder months.
Start with safety. Smoke detectors typically last up to 10 years, and carbon monoxide detectors up to six, but it’s essential to check them each season to ensure they’re functioning properly. Examine the batteries (including expiration dates), and test each device on every floor of your home. As you do this, make sure windows are closed and that your heating system and furnaces are on for optimal effectiveness.
Lint buildup is a serious fire hazard, especially in the winter when heating systems are used more frequently. Clean the vent and inspect the hose to ensure there are no blockages.
For optimal energy efficiency and safety purposes, your HVAC system should be serviced annually by a professional technician to inspect systems and replace filters. Clogged or dirty filters make it harder for your system to work efficiently, leading to higher energy bills.
Perform an annual maintenance inspection with a qualified roofing contractor to ensure good condition of the roofing materials and roof vents.
Gutters and down spouts channel water from your roof away from your home, but they also collect leaves and debris. To keep them working effectively - and to help prevent ice dams in freezing weather - clean them out, straighten any that are misaligned, and replace any that are damaged.
Windows and doors can be a major source of heat loss if they’re not properly winterized. Start by checking for drafts and sealing any gaps you find. Remove debris from window tracks, weep holes and screens and lubricate where applicable. Checking and replacing energy-saving treatments like weatherstripping on windows and doors is another effective way to improve insulation.
Ensure there is no water left in outdoor pipes, faucets, or hoses that could freeze and expand, potentially causing significant damage to your plumbing. Clean out debris in drain lines under concrete by flushing with a hose. Failing to do this could lead to costly repairs or replacements.
Maintain drainage swales for the flow of surface water away from the home and fence to flow to the street.
Adjust yard sprinkler timer for the season. To keep your lawn healthy before freezing temperatures set in, take a few key steps: mow the grass shorter than usual, water and fertilize it, and aerate the soil- ideally more than once - to give the roots the best chance to thrive.
Inspect fence and garage door for weather damage. Replace damaged areas on fence. Lubricate fence and all moving parts with the garage door.
Inspect and repair the grout or caulking on counters, flooring and bathroom fixtures.
Inspect and clean kitchen hood vent grease trap.
Clean aerators on faucets and shower heads. Inspect and repair immediately water leaks in plumbing fixtures. It’s essential to be mindful of your drains and toilets. Wet wipes, even those labeled “flushable,” can cause serious clogs so avoid wet wipes and non-toilet paper items.
Remove dust from vent covers and test fans to make sure they are effectively pulling air out of the room. Proper ventilation keeps humidity under control and protects your bathrooms.
A winter-ready home is a safer, more efficient home. By tackling these projects in the fall, you’ll step into the colder months with peace of mind - knowing your home is prepared to weather the season ahead!
