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Maintenance For Your Home & Grounds
SEASONAL PLANNER
WINTER:
Disconnect exterior hoses and insulate water faucets.
Check your outlets and all electrical holiday decorations for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose connections. Do not overload the outlet, extension cords or surge protectors.
Check and clean your heating system to make sure it is in good working condition for the winter months. This is generally a job best performed by a professional.
Have adequate fuel reserves on hand since fuel carriers might not be able to refuel for several days during severe weather.
Have your fireplace or wood stove and chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep.
Insulate pipes that pass through unheated areas. Your home's crawl space and attic are two such areas.
Clean and/or replace your furnace filter before the heating season begins.
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. This prevents lint from accumulating and decreases the risk of fire.
Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways.
Protect your roof against heavy snow and ice loads. Keep gutters clean and roof drains opened.
Test smoke detectors and replace batteries if necessary. In addition to checking detectors and replacing batteries, you should also review your emergency escape plans with your family.
Check weather stripping and seals around windows and exterior doors for deterioration. Replace seals if necessary to prevent cold air from entering the home and increasing your heat bills unnecessarily.
Preserve your home's value and avoid major repairs by performing regular maintenance tasks each season. Keep a season-by-season schedule posted somewhere handy for reference.
Steve Coats
Owner/Inspector
"Inspecting Properties As If We Were Going To Own Them Ourselves"
