Fall Projects
A lot of people look to switch gears when fall rolls around. You may be ready for a change, or you may want to prepare your home for winter. Regular home maintenance projects help avoid disasters and with the winter season just around the corner, it’s best to be prepared.
Prepare Your Ceiling Fan and Smoke Detectors
Ceiling fans are used all year long and can be beneficial for your home to move air around. When the heat is on, but you’re not feeling the temperature change, your home might have draft issues. Switch the fan on to create an upward draft to send warm air back down. To do this, you’ll need to change the ceiling fan’s direction for the winter so you’re not blowing cold air down on you. Also, make sure to change the batteries in your smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarms. You don’t want to be stuck in the house while inhaling toxic gas while you sleep. This will also prevent
Drain Faucets
When water freezes, it expands and can cause your pipes to burst. Burst pipes are an expensive maintenance project and can lead to severe water damage to your home. Before the colder temperatures, turn off all of your outdoor faucets that you will no longer be using. Also, be sure to drain and disconnect your garden hoses and irrigation systems. You also will want to schedule a gutter clean-up to make sure your gutters are free of any debris or buildup. The last thing you want to worry about is having your gutters freeze and having to pay a pretty penny to get them replaced.
Inspect the Fireplace and Service the Furnace
If you haven’t used the fireplace for the last three seasons, it may be time for a safety inspection. A chimney sweep can make sure you are not at risk of a chimney fire. Fireplaces build up flammable layers of creosote and need to be cleaned regularly. Hire a fireplace technician to examine your chimney and provide you with the next steps to clean it out.
Fix the Windows
Getting your windows replaced during the winter months is the perfect time to look for more energy-efficient ones. About 20%-30% of heat is lost due to old windows. Have someone come and inspect your windows to see if you need to update them. This will help you lower your energy bill and keep the heat in your home. Also, if you have screens on your windows, make sure to wash and spray them down and store them in a cool dry space. You’ll also want to inspect them to see if any added repairs would be needed.
Fall is the perfect time of year to get prepared for winter. By inspecting both your windows and fireplaces, you’re ensuring that your space is safe and will stay warm. You’re also ensuring that you won’t run into any problems that will cost you an arm and a leg by repairs or replacements.
At 180 Contractors, we take the stress out of home and fall projects. With some of the highest workmanship standards, we promise your project will go through various assurance inspections. Contact us today for help with your fall home maintenance project!
