Fall & Winter Home Maintenance
Maintaining your HVAC system is essential this time of year.
If it’s been more than 2-3 years since you moved in or last had your ducting cleaned, it may be time to have it done again. This post from Modern Purair offers some other key signs that it may be time for a cleaning. Be sure to also check the homeowner manual for your brand of furnace, as each manufacturer may have their own preventative maintenance tips.
Here are some other checklist items to help you get ready for the season:
INTERIOR
Have your heating system cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician
Replace your furnace filter in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, as well as the space under and behind the dryer
Remove any lint or dust that may have accumulated inside your dryer in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation
For wood burning fireplaces – have your chimney inspected, cleaned and maintained by a professional
Clean your fireplace
Seal showers and bathtub tiles
Check electrical breakers
Check electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs or receptacles
Be sure not to overload electrical outlets
Check your fire extinguisher and confirm that it is fully charged and ready for operation
Inspect your smoke detectors – test them monthly to ensure they are fully operational and change the batteries annually or as needed
EXTERIOR
Disconnect garden hoses, drain exterior taps and blow out irrigation sprinkler lines
Check and clean deck drains
Apply a sealer to driveway and exterior concrete
Check foundation for leakage or damage
Clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating – this is especially important during the fall season when leaves may collect in gutters
Check gutters for damage and confirm they’re securely attached to the house
Check roof for defects
Remove ice dams as snow falls
Remove snow build up around doors
Check and clean window wells and windows
Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration
Check weather stripping and adjust if necessary