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Key maintenance tasks for homeowners in the fall

Fall is here, and many areas have even already experienced their first snowfall. Along with the arrival of colder weather are a number of key maintenance tasks homeowners should tackle in order to prevent structural damage, save energy and keep their home’s systems running properly.

By completing these tasks now, you will allow plenty of time to sit back and enjoy all the fun activities typical of the upcoming holiday season:

·         Clear all debris from your gutters, even if you have a covered gutter system. Any leaves or other materials left in the gutters can freeze and damage the gutters themselves, and could also force freezing water up under your shingles and damage the roof. 

·         Start the season with new wicks for your portable humidifier, and also check your air filters. In addition, be sure to clean the humidifier every few weeks throughout the winter to keep it free of mold, bacteria and mineral deposits.

·         Protect your outdoor air conditioning unit from icicles and snow by placing a sheet of plywood over the top and draping a drop cloth over it. When doing so, don’t create a fully enclosed space, as that can trap moisture and offer a cozy winter home for rodents.

Tips for preventing damage from frozen pipes during these cold and snowy winter months.

We are in the midst of one of the coldest, snowiest winters in history. While we know to bundle ourselves up to keep warm, many people forget to make sure their pipes stay warm as well. A pipe that bursts can cause significant damage, so homeowners should pay special attention to pipes that have frozen in the past or that are near exterior walls.

Here are some tips to help avoid property damage from frozen pipes:

• Remove hoses from outside yard faucets to allow for proper drainage. If you have a sprinkler system, drain all outdoor pipes and turn off the water supply to the system.

• Insulate areas where vulnerable pipes are located, or use pipe wrappings embedded with electrical coils that provide an outside source of heat.

• Open the doors to the cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks so heat from the room will help warm the pipes.

• Running water doesn't freeze very readily. During severe cold weather, keep a stream of water trickling out of faucets or spouts that are attached to vulnerable pipes.

SOURCE: Weichert Insights