Winter Checklist: Preparing Your Home For The Chilly Season
With winter approaching, now is the perfect time to prep your house for the weather change. Take note of this simple checklist that will ensure you don’t get caught in the cold when the seasons change.
Get a Tune-Up on Your Heating System
Like any other appliance in your home, your furnace needs routine maintenance, and what better time than the fall to get it done! A well-maintained furnace can enjoy a lifespan of 20 years and will experience fewer complications and repairs over time. When your furnace is inspected annually, it can perform at peak efficiency. As the temperatures start to drop, you will want to make sure your heating system is in tip-top shape.
For an affordable, reliable furnace tune-up, be sure to reach out to SameDay Heating & Air.
Test Home Safety Devices
Considering that you will already be evaluating the well-being of your home, there’s no better time to do a comprehensive review of your home safety devices. Test your smoke and CO detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Replacing the batteries is also essential, and quite easy to do. Furthermore, go over your fire escape plans with your loved ones. Arrange for a safe meeting place away from the house for everyone to meet at.
Clean Gutters & Drainage Pipes
A debris-clogged gutter can cause a leaky roof, or even water damage, to the interior and exterior of your home. As such, it’s important to get your hands dirty and remove the gunk from your rain gutters and drainage pipes. Be sure to wear gloves (or a long-sleeved shirt) and flush the gutters out with a hose after you’re done. Not only will this ensure a warm, cozy home come winter, it will also save you repair costs in the long run.
Brace Your Pipes
Simply ignoring your plumbing system come winter could result in frozen pipes, something no homeowner wants. In order to prepare your pipes for the cold weather, be sure to keep your windows and doors in your home closed tightly to prevent cold air from seeping in. Additionally, you can insulate your pipes, which is particularly important if your pipes are in exposed, drafty rooms. In order to avoid a disaster this winter, be sure to have this task high up on your checklist.
Winterize Air Conditioning System
It can be tempting to simply turn off you’re A/C unit and call it a day come fall. However, air conditioners must be maintained year-round. Be sure to remove any debris that is in or around you’re A/C unit, and replace those dirty filters with new ones as well. You can also cover you’re A/C with waterproof material to protect it from the harsh elements come winter. Also be sure to check on the unit every so often during the colder months, as snow and ice accumulation can cause problems.
Check for Drafts & Replace Caulking
Cold air can find its way through your loosely sealed windows and doors, creating quite the chill in your home. It’s important to find the location of these drafts and replace the caulking. Always remember to remove old caulk before applying new, and remember that some caulk can require more than 24 hours to dry, so be sure to keep it away from liquids until the job is done.
Restock on Winter Gear
An important part of your winter checklist, but one that many individuals overlook. Be sure to prepare your snow blower and stock up on shovels before the snow starts to come down. Not only are prices on these items much lower in the fall, but it will also ensure that you aren’t left out in the cold for the year’s first storm.
Being prepared for the harsh temperatures of winter starts with fall preparation. When you need a professional to repair or inspect your household issues, contact the pros at SameDay Heating & Air. To learn more, or schedule and inspection, give us a call at (801) 726-3329.
