Now that the dog days of summer are winding down, it’s important to stay on top of home maintenance in order to avoid costly repairs later. Here are 12 tips that will help you hunker down and prepare for the cold months ahead. You might even save some money in the process!
Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. After months of leaving your windows open and kids and pets tracking in dirt and allergens from outdoor escapades, it’s critical that you vacuum your carpets, hard floors and even plush furniture to eliminate unwelcome debris. Look for a lightweight model that will seamlessly move between surfaces to pick up every last pet hair and speck of dust.
Clean the gutters. Gutters help direct water away from the home, but often get filled with debris from summer thunderstorms. You’ll want to grab a ladder and clear them out before the temperatures drop. If you’re not in a position to do this, look for a professional to help get the job done.
Get your furnace inspected. Prepare for the coldest days to come and give yourself peace of mind that your HVAC system is in good health by hiring a professional to come out and tune it up. According to Popular Mechanics, “Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand.” By remembering to change your furnace filter every month, you will lower your energy bill and prevent a possible fire.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These life-saving devices are only helpful if they’re in working condition. To ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, simply press thetest buttons on each and wait for the alarms to sound. Make sure you can also hear the noise throughout your entire house. Go the extra mile and install fresh batteries in both each time the seasons change.
Reverse your fans. Save on the cost of heating your home by running your fans in reverse during the fall months. Most ceiling fans have a switch that will reverse the blades and keep you warmer, thus helping lower your utility bills.
Winterize your AC units. It’s crucial that you remove any window units before winter arrivesto avoid cold temperatures entering your home. Additionally, make sure to drain any hoses or pipes so you don’t have leftover water sitting in them.
Consider installing storm doors and windows. While they come in handy during a thunderstorm, they will also reduce air flow and drafts, especially if you have older, single–pane windows.
Program your thermostat. Save on energy by lowering the heat while you’re away and only turning it back up when you’re home to enjoy it. To really amp up your savings, invest in a smart thermostat that can pick up on your temperature preferences. These thermostats will automatically adjust as necessary and save you money in the long run.
Wrap your pipes with insulation. This will prevent them from freezing and help lower your hot water bill. It’s also important to drain any water from water sprinklers and swimming pool supply lines, as well as store any outside hoses indoors and turn off water spigots.
Inspect your chimney. It’s likely you haven’t fired up the old chimney in quite a while, so call a professional to clean it and check for any damage before lighting it up. After it’s been properly inspected, using your chimney during the winter months is a good way to cut down on the cost of heating your home.
Seal up gaps. Avoid drafts by caulking up any areas around windows or doors that might leak air in or out of your home. Caulking can also contribute to lower energy bills and keep pesky insects from entering your home.
Inspect your roof. While it’s important to routinely check your roof, doing so before the temperatures drop is a good way to prevent moisture or leaks from getting into your attic and insulation. If you notice loose shingles or any other concerns, look to a roofing professional.
By taking the time to get these simple home maintenance tasks checked off your list, you’ll be setting yourself up for a cozy and comfortable winter ahead.
Burnett Builders Proudly serving Ross Township, Okeana, Morgan Township, Millville, Hamilton, Oxford, Fairfield, Crosby Township, Butler County, Hamilton County and South Preble County.
