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Keep your home warm and cozy this winter with some basic maintenance now ~ Guest Blog by Paul Denikin of Daddy knows DIY

We were contacted earlier this Fall by Paul, who wanted to share with all of you his knowledge on what should be done around the house in the Fall. He has some really great advice on the things that need to be done before the Winter hits. We just have one thing to add...get your roof and gutters maintained and cleaned! Enjoy~ Pat and Sarah

P.S. If you are not able to get this stuff done on your own, let us know, we can refer you to local professional who may be able to!

Keep your home warm and cozy this winter with some basic maintenance now

Written by Paul Denikin of Dad Knows DIY

Image courtesy of Pixabay

With colder weather coming, you’ll be spending more time indoors.  It’s important to make sure your home is ready.  That way you can enjoy the wintertime cozied up in a blanket instead of fixing things, paying for damage or recovering from a tragedy.  By completing these important tasks you can keep your home running safely, efficiently and avoid costly repairs.

Prevent frozen pipes.

Pipes that freeze and break can cause flooding in your home.  In order to prevent pipes from freezing, the experts at Consumer Reports have this great advice:

  • If you have water lines in your garage, keep the garage door closed as much as possible on cold days.
  • Open the doors on kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow air to flow around pipes, especially if the water lines are on exterior walls.
  • Allow water to trickle through faucets to prevent freezing when temperatures are especially low.
  • Maintain a constant temperature in your home by leaving your thermostat at the same setting day and night.
  • If you leave your home vacant set the thermostat at fifty-five degrees minimum.
  • Add insulation to unheated areas of your home, such as the attic, basement and garage. 

Check for gaps.  The professionals at Freshome recommend that you inspect your house for possible air leaks.  You will be more comfortable without drafts and your home will heat more efficiently.  Check the exterior of your home for gaps, cracks and holes and patch them with caulk.  You can select caulk in colors that match your house.  On the inside of your home look for damaged or shrunken putty around windows.  Also check for light peeking through door jams.  Seal according to the caulk manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace air filters.  Clean filters keep your furnace running efficiently.  Some experts suggest most filters should be changed every one to three months.  Pollutants build up on air filters as the air flows through, trapping dust mites, molds, pollens, dander, smoke, chemicals, and other debris.  Not only does a fresh filter save on your heating bill but it also extends the lifespan of your unit.  According to some professionals fall is a good time to have your furnace inspected as well.  This way you are sure your unit is running properly going into winter.

Have your fireplace and chimney cleaned.  Built up soot in your chimney or flue can cause a fire.  Some experts recommend ensuring your fireplace and chimney are inspected and cleaned every few years.  If you wait too long it could cost extra to remove the buildup, or worse, your home could burn.  If you are burning green wood, you can use your fireplace approximately fifty times between cleanings.  Hardwoods burn cleaner and you can go approximately seventy fires between cleanings.  If you plan to use your fireplace this winter hiring a certified chimney sweep could prevent disaster.

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Replace the batteries in your detectors and clean them using the soft brush attachment of your vacuum.  Test each unit by pressing the “test” button or by holding a smoke source, such as a blown out candle or some matches, close to the unit.  Check the expiration dates on each detector and replace them if they are expired.

Time to get cozy.  Taking good care of your home helps save energy and prevents costly repairs down the road.  Prevent your pipes from freezing, check for gaps in your home’s structure, replace air filters, have your chimney cleaned, and check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  By taking these simple steps you’ll keep your home warm, safe and cozy during the chilly winter months.

You can find more great advice from Paul Denikin on his website at http://dadknowsdiy.com/.

 

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