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/
