Browsing articles from "September, 2011"
Prepare your home for the cooler days ahead
Let’s face it, summer is almost over and fall is coming. After the relaxation of the summer months, it’s time to prepare your home for the cooler days ahead. Please take a moment to review this important fall maintenance checklist.
- Have your furnace cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician annually.
- Keep all flammable materials, including all lawn and power equipment, away from water heaters and wiring in basement, utility rooms and garage.
- Insulate exposed water pipes in areas exposed to cold temperatures and turn up the thermostat during extra cold periods.
- Check for damage to your roof and clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall season to keep leaves from building up in gutters.
- Check and repair the caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration.
- Check caulking around showers, bathtubs sinks and toilet base, and make repairs as needed.
- Have your chimney cleaned and maintained annually by a professional.
- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust and pieces of material or cloth.
- Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service.
- Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible that is filled and ready for operation.
- Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure that there is one on each floor of your home. Test them and change battery every three months or as needed.