Before it gets too cold, it’s a good idea to examine your home and take any necessary precautions for the harsh weather. The sooner you get started, the better. Here are some home maintenance tips to save money and also your home.
- Examine gutters/roof/downspouts for debris. It’s easy to miss anything on your roof or forget to look considering you can’t see it. It’s important to clean out any major debris from your gutters to prevent damaging them.
- Repair leaky faucets now. It’s much better to have any leaky faucets in the kitchen, bathroom or utility rooms fixed before temperatures get too low. The time and money spent now will be less than a broken piper during the coldest part of the year!
- Prepare your fireplace. It’s the time of year where the use of the fireplace starts back up. Make sure you discard old ashes and open the damper to let air flow through the chimney and if the air is getting cold, close the back of the damper after you clean the fireplace.
- Clean and store seasonal outdoor furniture. To keep your outdoor furniture thriving, it has to be stored away from the harsh conditions of winter. You can power wash outdoor cushions and furniture and once they have dried, store them in a dry area to prevent cracking and fading. This way, they will be ready to be used again in the spring.
- Drain your hot water heater. For those who live in an area with hard water, extra amounts of sediments can build up in your tank. Drain the tank and check to make sure rust is not forming.