Fall has arrived and with those cooler nights comes the prospect of Old Man Winter knocking at the door. That can mean only one thing: it’s time to get your house ready for the upcoming season.
Here we will take you through a seasonal maintenance checklist step by step.
Check the Foundation
Walk around your home and inspect the foundation for any cracks. Bob Vila recommends caulking around the areas where masonry meets siding, as well as places where pipes or wires enter the house, and around the windows and door frames so heat can’t escape. Caulking and sealing are important because if water is allowed to penetrate openings in your home, it can freeze and lead to cracks or even mold.
HVAC Checkup
Get a checkup of your furnace or heat system to prepare for extended use until spring. This includes checking and changing furnace and AC filters to ensure you have a fresh one installed for the next season. If you’re unsure of how to go about this task, schedule AC maintenance with a qualified HVAC technician to keep unnecessary repairs at bay. While he’s at it, your HVAC technician can also clean out heating and cooling ducts.
Check your Roof
Grab some binoculars and check out your roof for signs of wear and tear. Be on the lookout for missing or curling shingles, broken or rusted flashing, and gutters that have come away from the home. After the leaves have fallen is also a good time to clean out your gutters, tighten up the brackets, take a look at the joints, and remove clogs. This will help to avoid the formation of ice dams later on.
Insulate Pipes
To ensure your pipes don’t freeze in one of North Georgia’s occasional cold snaps this winter, consider insulating any pipes that are exposed within your garage, basement, under the sinks or in crawlspaces. Exposure to cold air for long periods of time can lead to freezing, which can lead to cracks and leaks.
Change Smoke Detector Batteries
Keeping your family safe in the home starts with a home safety check twice a year. Test out your smoke and CO monitors, replace batteries as needed, inspect fire extinguishers, and review your fire escape plan.
Drain Hoses
Outside, drain all your garden hoses and store them in your garage or shed for the season. Shut off the valves to water faucets in all exterior areas to avoid frozen pipes.
Your furnace will also need a once-over to ensure it will work efficiently throughout the winter. An annual inspection, coupled with regular maintenance, can help you identify any issues before they become a bigger problem down the line. Schedule this service for fall so that you’ll be ready to go when the weather really starts to get cold.