Fall Maintenance Check List Picture

Fall Maintenance

by BlogHeating and CoolingHome Maintenance

As the chilly months approach, it’s time to ensure that your heating system is running efficiently and effectively. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your system but also enhances energy efficiency and keeps your home warm and cozy. 

Why Maintenance Matters:

  1. Prevent Breakdowns: Regular check-ups can catch potential issues before they become costly repairs.
  2. Boost Efficiency: A well-maintained heating system uses less energy, saving you money on your utility bills.
  3. Improve Air Quality: Clean systems help maintain better indoor air quality for you and your family.
  4. Avoid Pipe Freeze:  If your system breaks down for even as little as one night, this can lead to pipe freeze which can cause major damage inside of your home. 

Maintenance Tips:

  1. Schedule an Annual Inspection: Have a professional check your system once a year.  Systems often need minor maintenance repairs or adjustment after sitting idle all summer long.
  2. Change Filters Regularly: Dirty filters can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency and can even reduce a system’s ability to heat or cool a space.  Consider high efficiency filters to catch contaminants such as mold and other allergens.
  3. Keep Vents Clear: Ensure that furniture or drapes don’t block vents to maximize airflow.  Also consider having your duct system professionally cleaned.
  4. Bleed Your Radiators: Baseboard and radiator systems typically require bleeding every fall to ensure all radiators have proper heat flow.  This is an easy but important task
  5. Check Thermostat Settings: Remember to turn on your heating thermostats since they have probably been turned off for the summer.  Cold nights are here, and your system will likely start to turn on at night.
  6. Check Oil Tank: If you have an oil fire system ensure you have your oil tank topped off.  If you run out of oil the system can get clogged and need priming which means you may have to call for service.  Also check the bottom of your oil tank for any leakage.

Download PDF

Golden retriever wearing wreath of yellow maple tree leafs

Late Fall Comfort Bucket List for the Season

by BlogHome Maintenance

I was going to write a technical newsletter about cleaning your gutters, replacing your air filter, etc.

But I decided to list some comfort to-dues for the season:

  • sit by a campfire or your fireplace
  • make a gratitude list
  • cook an apple pie
  • roast marshmallows
  • decide what you’re going to do/cook for Thanksgiving
  • donate to a food/clothing bank
  • make some soup
  • put some warm socks on after dinner
  • watch an old classic movie
  • go on a nature walk
  • make some oatmeal raisin cookies
  • make a pile of leaves and jump in it
  • make a scarecrow
  • play a game of monopoly
  • go to a Fall Festival
  • take a picture of your loved ones

 If you still want some more technical stuff, here it is:

  •  Clean your gutters, have gutter guards installed to avoid blockages of your roof drainage system.  Properly draining roof water can avoid water intrusion in your basement.
  • Check your roof and gutters with some binoculars to see if there are any damaged areas from age or falling branches, etc.
  • Seal up air leaks.  Go into your basement and check for air leaks around the perimeter.  Caulking is cheap and easy.  This will save you some money!
  • Check the weather stripping on your doors and windows.
  • Have your sprinkler system blown out.  Drain your outside faucets to avoid freeze ups.
  • Replace your air filters.
  • Have your HVAC guy check for mold inside your air-conditioning unit.
  • Get an HVAC service contract ASAP.  You’ll be glad you did in the middle of the winter!  Have the system checked now.
  • Get your chimney and fireplace checked by chimney contractor.  (Ask them to take pictures of any recommended items in order to keep them honest!)
  • Prune your exterior plants.
  • Drain the gas in your lawnmower and change the oil.  Clean the underside of the lawnmower.
  • If you have a whole house generator, have it serviced by a generator contractor.  If you have a portable generator, change oil and gasoline.  Fire it up to make sure it works.
  • Store your garden hoses and make sure the water is turned off.
  • Check your thermostat settings.  Lowering temperatures can save substantial money.  It’s a good idea to have programmable thermostats that automatically reduce temperatures at night.
  • Buy ice melt for your walkways and driveways.  Don’t use rock salt because it can damage your concrete.
  • Check your smoke/CO detectors, press the button to make sure it rings. This may be the most important thing you can do for your safety.  Current code requires a CO detector on each floor and smoke detectors in each bedroom and outside the sleeping areas.  Each of these detectors should be hardwired or have a 10-year battery life.
  • By a new fire extinguisher and keep it in handy area (like a kitchen cabinet or pantry).

We hope this newsletter has been fun and helpful!  Best wishes for the rest of fall and winter!

For more related information click on this link:

https://safeharborinspections.com/blog/

Download PDF