5 Great Ways to Get Your Home Winter Ready
With Autumn in full swing, it is now time to start thinking ahead to the upcoming winter months. While it might not be the most exciting way to spend a weekend, taking some time to get your home ready for the cold weather can not only protect your real estate investment but your pocket book as well. Here are 5 great ways to get your home winter ready.
Check Those Taps
If you live in an area with freezing weather, take a few steps to ensure that any outside faucets and inground irrigation systems don’t freeze and burst – if this happens not only can it cause major damage to your property, but it can cost a pretty penny to fix.
Be sure to close any shut-off valves serving outside faucets, then open the outside faucet to drain the line. If you don’t have shut-off valves, and your faucets are not “freezeproof “, you may want to consider a styrofoam faucet covers sold at home centers.
Check Your Filter
Furnace filters trap dust that would otherwise be deposited on your woodwork, furniture and so on. Clogged filters make it difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, this can result in a serious increase your utility bills – and a major dent in your bank account. A simple monthly cleaning is all it takes to keep these filters breathing free and clear.
Fireplaces
Even if you use your fireplace only occasionally, you should check it annually for damage and hazards. Be sure to inspect your flue for creosote. This is a flammable by-product of burning wood. If it accumulates in a flue or chimney, the result can be a devastating fire. If you use a fireplace or wood stove frequently, have the flue inspected after each cord of wood burned.
For most people, the most realistic option is to have your entire chimney system inspected by a chimney sweep. Once you know what to look for, you can perform the inspection by shining a bright flashlight up the flue, looking for any deposits that are about 1/8 inch thick. These deposits should be cleaned by an experienced chimney sweep.
Paths and Walkways
Damaged walkways, drives, and steps are a hazard year round, but their dangers increase when the weather turns icy. By taking action and fixing problems in the fall you are taking a critical step in preventing little problems from becoming expensive headaches. Look for cracks more than 1/8-inch wide, uneven sections, and loose railings on steps. Check for the disintegration of asphalt, or washed-out materials on loose-fill paths.
Replace the Batteries in Your Detectors
Replace the batteries in each smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector, then vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. Test the detectors by pressing the test button or holding a smoke source (like a blown-out candle) near the unit. Make sure that you have a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.