The South tends to have a mind of its own come fall and winter! Even though it’s been warmer the last few years, I think we can still expect those chilly nights ahead. And remember, preventative maintenance is key as a homeowner!
Getting your home ready for the chilly temps can be simple! If you can check a few of these items off your maintenance list now, it can save you some time, and maybe some cold toes.
1. Check doors and windows for leaks
When the cool breeze starts to make its way through the cracks in your home, it can cause moisture to build up in areas that could cause damage. It is always a good idea to seal any cracks or leaks that you may have on your window frames, door frames, trim and siding. Your heat bill will also thank you for doing this!
2. Clean the fireplace and chimney
Ensuring that your fireplace and chimney are clear of any unwanted debris and creosote build up is the best way to prevent a potential house fire. You can always do maintenance on a chimney yourself if you are comfortable with doing so. But it is suggested to hire a professional if it hasn’t been cleaned in a couple of years.
3. Maintenance check on your furnace
Is there anything worse than waking up to a freezing cold home in December? The covers come off and your body is shivering because the heat didn’t kick on last night.
You should change your furnace filter and vacuum up any dust and debris around the furnace. It can’t hurt to also have an HVAC professional come do a maintenance check on the fan belts, pulleys and furnace bearings.
4. Remove and drain garden hoses
You can do this the same way you check interior faucets. disconnecting your garden hoses for winter will prevent any remaining water from backing up into your home and freezing. When that water freezes, it will expand and can cause your pipes to crack. Some homeowners will even turn off any valves on water supply lines that lead to exterior faucets.
5. Switch your ceiling fans to “reverse”
I can honestly say I’m one of the many people who didn’t know this made a difference before reading! Flipping that little switch on the side of the fan will make it spin the opposite way. Because heat rises, reversing the direction of your ceiling fan can actually help circulate the warm air back into the lower living space.
These simple tips can help you save money over the winter months, headaches from damage or extreme clean up, and mostly can save those toes from feeling frostbitten! Do you have any items that are on your To-do list this fall?? Follow along and see more tips and tricks for your home!
