Leaves are dropping,
temperatures are dipping, and that means just one thing…your to-do list is doubling. With fall arriving and winter knocking, the proverb,
“an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is certainly true for home
maintenance.
Where
there is a will, there is a way
Water
has more will than anything. Be sure to
clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent buildup of
leaves and other debris. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems, pest
infestations, wet basements, foundation damage and many other expensive
complications. Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all
support brackets are securely in place. Check to ensure water drains properly
and doesn't pool, which can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and
walkways.
A
penny saved
The
biggest energy loss occurs through windows and doors. Inspect and repair any loose or damaged
window or door frames. Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and
doors to prevent drafts and lower heating bills. Clean and lubricate garage
door hinges, rollers, and tracks and be sure screws are tight.
A
good beginning makes a good ending
Nothing
is worse than having a heating emergency when temperatures have fallen to
single digits, so begin now to ensure that doesn’t happen. Replace the filter in your furnace. Consider
having a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal
performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major
repairs. Clean your ducts to better your heating system's efficiency as well as
to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory
problems. Also check for air leakage especially around joints. Clean your
thermostat's heat sensor, contact points, and contacts. Check accuracy and
replace if necessary. The number one factor
that affects a person's bill is the heat they use in their house. Heating
accounts for approximately 70% of a person's energy bill. Turning down your
thermostat at night or while you are gone during the day will go a long way to
reducing your energy bills. It is recommended keeping your thermostat at 68-72
degrees for heating purposes and dropping it lower at night. By turning your
thermostat down at night, you reap the savings of a lower winter utility bill.
If you have trouble remembering to turn the temperature down, consider installing
a programmable thermostat to do the work for you.
Forewarned
is forearmed
A
little work on the front side can eliminate a potential problem in the future. To
prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, ensure that the pipes, as well as the
wall cavities where they reside, are well insulated. Be sure that you know how
to locate and turn off the water shut-off valve in case pipes do freeze. Garden
hoses should be drained of water and stored indoors. Make sure your outside
water spigots are completely turned off and capped to prevent freezing.
Strike
while the iron is hot
In
this case, strike before you heat up the iron.
Call a professional in to inspect and clean your chimney. Fireplaces
that are regularly used during the season should have an annual cleaning to
prevent dangerous chimney fires. Test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when
closed. Consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm near the fireplace and
furnace.
There’s
no time like the present
Grab
the ladder, or pull down the access, and crawl into the attic. Be sure attic
insulation doesn't cover ventilation vents in the eaves to prevent winter ice
dams on the roof. Then head to the roof. Be sure ridge vents and vents at eaves
are free of plants and debris .Check bird and rodent screens for attic vents to
prevent any unwanted guests.
Seize
the moment
Now
is the time. Although grass appears to
stop growing in the fall, the roots are actually growing deeper to prepare for
winter. Now is the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn. Prune your
trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth in the
spring. Trim any tree limbs that are dangerously close to power lines or the
roof of your house. Heavy snow and ice can cause damage in the winter.
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