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Winter Home Maintenance Tips
When
it is time to prepare for the long cold winter there are many things
that you do yourself. This article lists some of the most
important things that should be done every fall and early winter.
Remember there are some tasks that should be left to professional
remodeler such as Aeschliman Remodeling and Construction L.L.C. You may
request a free quote on line Click Here
or call (317)
710-3925. Aeschliman can help with a complete Winter Check-up and
Inspection or to do that one necessary repair to assure a warm and safe
winter season
(HIT) - As days grow shorter and temperatures fall,
it's time once again to prepare your home for the long winter months
ahead. Taking a few minutes now to walk around your home--visually
inspecting important systems from a safety perspective and making note
of routine maintenance chores that need attention--is a great way to get
started, and a good winter maintenance checklist can help.
Here are some tips to help get you started:
Clean
gutters
and downspouts. A clogged gutter or downspout can freeze and wreak
havoc on your home. Make a point of checking your gutters and downspouts
well before daytime temperature's dip below 32
degrees Fahrenheit.
Careful on that ladder. It may be safer to Aeschliman and let the pros
do it.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Use the testing feature
on each device to make sure it's working. Replace batteries and
inoperable units as needed.
Recharge or replace fire extinguishers. Check the gauge on every
fire extinguisher to make sure it's fully charged (arrow pointing to the
green area of the gauge). Remove each extinguisher from its mounting
bracket and turn it upside down to help prevent the dry chemicals inside
from caking on the bottom over time. If your fire extinguishers are more
than one year old, consider having them inspected by a professional.
Check furnace vents. If your home has a forced air furnace, check
to make sure that vents in primary living areas are open and
unobstructed. You can partially close vents located in less frequently
used rooms, but don't close them all the way unless you're sure there is
no chance of water pipes freezing as a result. Keep in mind that
temperatures inside the walls of your home will be lower than adjacent
living areas.
Stock up on furnace filters. Dirty furnace filters waste energy.
They also force your furnace to work harder to heat your home. Your
owner's manual should explain what types of filters are best for your
furnace, and how often they need to be changed. Keep in mind that a
high-efficiency air filter will trap more dirt than a conventional
filter and may need to be replaced more frequently to keep your furnace
from overheating.
Schedule checkups for all home heating systems. Regular
maintenance can help furnaces, wood stoves, chimneys and other home
heating components stay in top working order. Most experts recommend
that you schedule an annual inspection by a qualified professional for
each system, but service intervals may vary from one system or
manufacturer to another, so play it safe and check your owners manual or
contact each heating system manufacturer for guidance.
Replace worn out weather strips. Worn out weather stripping
around windows and doors can dramatically increase your home heating
costs. Weather strips are easy to replace, and should pay for themselves
in a very short time.
Inspect the insulation in attics and crawl spaces. Over time,
fiberglass insulation panels can sag away from rafters, joists and wall
cavities, allowing cold air to penetrate your home. Duct tape can be
used to reseat a small problem area, but extensive sagging may indicate
a moisture problem. Try to determine the source of this problem before
you replace large areas of insulation. And, if you decide to replace the
insulation yourself, make sure you follow manufacturer guidelines for
personal protective equipment.
Protect exterior water valves. Hose bibs located in an unheated
garage or on the outside of your home may need protection to prevent
freezing damage. Inexpensive insulating covers are available at most
home centers, but it's still a good idea to shut off the water supply
connected to the hose bib from inside the home. After shutting off the
water supply, open each hose bib to allow any remaining water to drain.
Disconnect hoses and store them inside for the winter.
Courtesy:
Home Improvement News and
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