It's officially fall! Which means you need to check in on your home and what maintenance it may need to get it through the colder months. Depending on where you live, some of these tips may not be necessary (lucky you!), but if you're like most people in the continental United States, then these will come in handy very soon.
- Check your windows and doors for any cracks or gaps that might let in drafts. Caulk or weatherstrip as needed to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Drafts can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, as they allow warm air to escape from your home in the winter and cold air to enter during the summer. In addition to ensuring that your windows and doors are properly sealed, you should also check for drafts near electrical outlets, around door frames and baseboards, and near any other openings in your home's structure. You can use a draft snake (a piece of fabric filled with insulation) or a rolled-up towel to help plug these openings and keep the heat or cool air where it belongs.
- Inspect your furnace and make sure it is clean and in good working order. This is also a good time to change your furnace filter. A furnace that isn’t properly maintained can be a fire hazard, and it can also cause your energy bills to skyrocket. By checking your furnace before using it often, you can catch any problems before they become serious, and you can also ensure that it’s running at its best possible efficiency.
- If you have a fireplace, have it inspected and cleaned before using it this season. One important reason to clean your fireplace before using it during the winter is to remove any built-up soot or creosote from the previous season. These substances can be very dangerous if they catch fire, and can also cause the fireplace to smoke and produce toxic fumes. Cleaning the fireplace also helps to ensure that it will operate safely and efficiently. By removing any obstructions, you reduce the risk of a chimney fire and make sure that the heat from the fire is able to properly circulate.
- Repair any outdoor walkways and add non-slip rugs. Ice can form quickly on outdoor surfaces in the winter and lead to dangerous falls. One way to minimize the risk of slipping on a walkway is to ensure that it is properly prepared. This includes removing any ice, snow, or other debris that may be on the surface. Additionally, you can use salt or sand to help improve traction. If you are using salt, be sure to use a type that is safe for concrete and other paving materials.
- Clean your oven to prepare for all of the holiday cooking and baking. Ovens can get pretty dirty, pretty quickly, especially if you use them as often as most people do during the holidays. Give your oven a good cleaning before you start cooking up all those holiday pies and cookies.
These are just a few things you can do to get your home ready for fall and the colder weather that comes with it. By taking care of some simple maintenance tasks now, you can avoid bigger problems down the road. So get out there and start getting your home ready for the colder months ahead! If you have any questions, reach out to us at BHGRE by the Sea! AND follow us on social media to stay up to date on monthly home maintenance!
