Your home has specific needs during the winter in order to keep running smoothly. That’s why you should take some time in the fall, before winter comes, to attend to some small home maintenance tasks that can help keep problems at bay.
These tasks are easy, quick and will do an awful lot to keep your home running smoothly.
1 – The Yard
Take some time to scan your yard and see if any branches or trees may pose a problem to your home over the winter months (think of trees and branches interfering with power lines during a storm). Trim them back.
Wrap up any plants or bushes that might need protection over the winter. Clean out the gutters from debris, which can cause clogs to come spring time when the snow melts. Clean patio furniture, outdoor children’s toys, and your deck. Put away until next year.
2 – Be an Inspector
Check that your fire alarm is in working order and that it has battery back-up. In the laundry room, check that your washing machine hoses are intact. Look for leaks or signs of deterioration. Check your dryer vents for debris (and nests).
Go to each bathroom and check the toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks for leaks or running water. It doesn’t take much time or water from a leak to cause damage, so you should make a habit of looking regularly.
3 – The Furnace
It’s the right time of year to get a furnace tune-up. If there are any problems, you want to take care of them now, not in January when you really need your heat. Clean or change the filter to make sure that the hot air is running freely.
4 – The Windows and Doors
Clean the windows, inside and out. Vacuum out window wells and window sills, which probably accumulated a lot of dust over the summer.
Caulk around any doors or windows where you find gaps. You’ll waste money on heat if you don’t stop those nasty draughts.
5 – In the Kitchen
To prevent clogs, put a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your pipes. That will break down lingering debris and clean it out. Pull the fridge out from the wall and clean the dust from the coils, which will help the fridge run more efficiently.
6 – Hoses
Don’t forget to turn off outside faucets and put hoses away. If you have a sprinkler system, blow the water free from the system so it doesn’t freeze.
7 – The Hot Water Tank
Take a minute to check your hot water tank for signs of trouble (i.e. pooling water, rust). This is also a great time of year to flush your hot water tank to rid it of sediment.
If you discover any plumbing or heating problems that concern you during your fall maintenance, we’d be happy to take a look to see what needs to be done. Call Johnson Heating & Cooling Inc., in Greenwood, IN, today at (317)-881-7738.
