Some years, it can seem like seasons come and go in the blink of an eye. Hopefully, you've managed to squeeze some fun and relaxation out of summer, but now that fall is here, it can be the perfect time to take care of some home maintenance item and prepare for the cold and snow that comes with winter.
An obvious winter preparation is to prevent water systems from freezing. Make sure that you properly winterize the sprinklers. If you have a bird bath, now is the time to empty and clean it. If you have a pool, it should be properly winterized and covered. You can also test your water pipes for insulation. Run some warm water and touch the pipe. If you feel a lot of heat, then the pipes are too conductive. These kinds of pipes lose a lot of heat from the water they are transferring, and can be vulnerable to freezing. You can buy pipe insulation at your local hardware store and attach it with simple duct tape.
In the majority of inland states, winter brings loads of snow. If you gutter is not draining properly, this can be very bad news for your roof. After the leaves fall and before the snow comes, it's a good idea to get a ladder and take a look at the gutters. You will want to clear away any blockage, making sure the rain and melted snow will have a way to run off.
If you stay cool during the summer with an air conditioner in the window, you will probably not have any use for it when the temperature drops. You can take it down, maintain it and then store it somewhere until it heats up. Houses with central air systems should have their filters replaced regularly. Most types of furnace filters should be replaced monthly.
Drafty windows and doors are fun for no one. You can check the seals to make sure you're not needlessly losing warm air. You can use the classic "draft snake" to plug up areas that where heat is escaping. Just roll up a towel or blanket and place it in the crack.
Your lawn will enter a state where it stops growing during the colder months, so you won't need to worry too much about lawn maintenance during this time, save for the final chore of raking up and removing the leaves once they have all fallen. Before you put your mower and other tools away in a protected area, clean and look over them for maintenance issues, making sure they'll be good to go when spring comes.
Outdoor furniture should be cleaned and packed away, or at least covered. You can check the water heater and fireplace for any issues, since they'll be important during the cold winter months.
Fall offers the perfect conditions to prepare for winter. The mild weather is highly conducive to getting things done. And you don't want to delay until the last minute, letting Old Man Winter catch you off-guard. Being prepared for winter can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
An obvious winter preparation is to prevent water systems from freezing. Make sure that you properly winterize the sprinklers. If you have a bird bath, now is the time to empty and clean it. If you have a pool, it should be properly winterized and covered. You can also test your water pipes for insulation. Run some warm water and touch the pipe. If you feel a lot of heat, then the pipes are too conductive. These kinds of pipes lose a lot of heat from the water they are transferring, and can be vulnerable to freezing. You can buy pipe insulation at your local hardware store and attach it with simple duct tape.
In the majority of inland states, winter brings loads of snow. If you gutter is not draining properly, this can be very bad news for your roof. After the leaves fall and before the snow comes, it's a good idea to get a ladder and take a look at the gutters. You will want to clear away any blockage, making sure the rain and melted snow will have a way to run off.
If you stay cool during the summer with an air conditioner in the window, you will probably not have any use for it when the temperature drops. You can take it down, maintain it and then store it somewhere until it heats up. Houses with central air systems should have their filters replaced regularly. Most types of furnace filters should be replaced monthly.
Drafty windows and doors are fun for no one. You can check the seals to make sure you're not needlessly losing warm air. You can use the classic "draft snake" to plug up areas that where heat is escaping. Just roll up a towel or blanket and place it in the crack.
Your lawn will enter a state where it stops growing during the colder months, so you won't need to worry too much about lawn maintenance during this time, save for the final chore of raking up and removing the leaves once they have all fallen. Before you put your mower and other tools away in a protected area, clean and look over them for maintenance issues, making sure they'll be good to go when spring comes.
Outdoor furniture should be cleaned and packed away, or at least covered. You can check the water heater and fireplace for any issues, since they'll be important during the cold winter months.
Fall offers the perfect conditions to prepare for winter. The mild weather is highly conducive to getting things done. And you don't want to delay until the last minute, letting Old Man Winter catch you off-guard. Being prepared for winter can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
About the Author:
People who love their homes expend much of time and effort to keep them well-maintained. And it can be a big motivating factor if you live in the home of your dreams. SeaPac Homes constructs new homes in Washington. search no further for your dream home!