Winter Home Maintenance Tasks

Each and every home requires regular maintenance to stay safe and efficient, and fall is one of the best times of year to tackle the basics. Some tasks can be completed by homeowners, while others are best left to experienced professionals. Before the winter weather rolls in, take the time to prepare your home and protect your investment.

1. Prepare Your Heating System —Schedule a professional checkup and cleaning of your home’s heating system before you need to turn it on. While you’re at it, switch the direction of ceiling fans throughout your house to rotate clockwise.

2. Look for Leaks —Check all doors, windows, attic hatches, external vents and electrical outlets for air leaks, and add caulk, weather stripping and insulation to prevent warm air from escaping. Don’t forget to inspect the roof and replace any loose or damaged shingles.

3. Check Fire Safety Equipment —Test and/or change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they’re in good working order.

4. Prepare Plumbing —Turn off and drain outdoor hoses, sprinklers and irrigation systems, and consider picking up faucet covers for outdoor spigots. Protect exposed pipes and plumbing in uninsulated areas with pipe insulation to help deter freezes.

5. Tackle Yardwork —Clear fallen debris from the roof and rain gutters. Now’s also the time to trim branches and remove any dead trees or shrubs.

6. Update Safety Supplies —Check your emergency preparedness kit and stock your pantry with water and non-perishable food just to be safe. If snow or ice are even remote possibilities in your area this winter, stock up on rock salt or sand and make sure a shovel and roof rake are handy.

And don’t forget to do a checkup on your homeowners insurance. Call us at 937-962-2123 or go to our websiteand fill out a request to review your policy (even if you are not our customer.)