The temps are starting to drop, and the smell of wood smoke and Pumpkin Spice is in the air (but remember, not too much!). It’s time to do our Fall maintenance and prepare for Winter.
Complete this Honey-Do list and you’ll be happier, warmer, and snug as a bug in a rug this winter!
1. Buy Appliances
Manufacturers bring out their latest models during the fall, and store owners offer big sales on appliances they want to move out. So, the Fall is a great time to buy.
2. Switch the Direction of Ceiling Fans
Most have a switch to allow the ceiling fan blades to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise. One way pushes air down to create a nice breeze, and the other sucks air up, helping to distribute the heat. Think counterclockwise when it’s warm and clockwise when it’s cool.
3. Clean Those Windows
Daylight is about to dwindle so why not get as much of it as you can? Clean off all the bugs, dust, and grime from your windows while the weather is still warm enough to do so. For streak-free windows, combine ¼-cup of white vinegar with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of eco-friendly dish detergent and 2 cups of water OR schedule a professional window cleaner (who, unlike most of us, is able to do it even when temperatures plummet) before the end of the month. The closer it gets to the holidays, the busier they get.
4. Schedule a Heating System Checkup
To ensure your family will be able to feel their toes all winter, schedule early in the month for your heating unit to be serviced. As temperatures drop, service companies get busier.
Whether you hire your heating company’s technician or a contractor to do it, they’ll clean soot and corrosion from the combustion chamber, replace filters, and check the whole system for leaks, clogs, and damage. Nothing pairs with a cold Winter’s night better than the assurance that you’ll be weathering the storm with warm air piping through the vents and cocoa in hand.
5. Get a Chimney Sweep to Inspect the Fireplace
Chim-Chim Cher-ee! Best to hire someone who knows wood-burning fireplaces. A professional chimney sweep will ensure your wood-burning fireplace burns more efficiently and will help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter. So, yeah, it’s pretty important. ... I wonder what Bert is doing these days?
6. Insulate Exposed Pipes
If you’ve ever dealt with a burst pipe, you know it’s a sad, wet disaster worth preventing. To avoid the stressful (not to mention, expensive) ordeal, prep your home’s exposed pipes with foam or heat tape. Remember: The most at-risk pipes are often those in unheated areas such as an attic, crawl space, or garage, so secure those first.
While there’s no guarantee that Winter won’t bring a challenge or two your way, you’ll sleep better (and warmer) knowing that these items have been taken care of.
For more information and recommendations on great local service companies, for help finding your Dream Home, or Selling your current one call, text, or email me, Christine Sirochman, Your Real Estate Concierge at (928) 848-8830 - [email protected]
