Shorter days, cooler nights, it's time to do some preventive maintenance around your house.
It won't take weeks or months and doesn't have to cost a fortune. But if you take care of the basics, you may save yourself hundreds of dollars in repairs. Here are some tips to help with this process.
Check and install new weatherstripping as needed. Why waste hundreds of dollars on heating bills when about $50 will cover the cost of weatherstripping most homes? Check attic insulation. Many homes have insufficient insulation and draft-proofing, both sources of heat loss. An average home should have between R-28 (eight inches) to R-50 (16.75 inches) of insulation in the attic, more in colder climates.
Caulk gaps on the exterior of windows and doors, especially stucco homes with trimless windows. If you have single-pane glass windows, install storm windows or upgrade to new energy-efficient windows. Clean gutters and install gutter guards to protect from heavy rain damage and overflowing gutters due to plugging from leaves and needles.
Change your furnace filter at least four times a year. I prefer the pleated type furnace filters as opposed to washable furnace filters. Look for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating on the filter; the higher the rating, the better the filtration. In winter when your furnace is working overtime, a clean filter will help it operate efficiently as possible. Furnace ducts should be cleaned every three to five months, two if you have any animals. Your furnace should be inspected by a licensed gas-fitter once a year. Have this done in the early fall to avoid the rush when the weather turns cold.
Shut off outside faucets and drain back water to prevent frozen pipes or install frostfree hose bibs.
Dolomite lime your lawn and add some fall-winter fertilizer. This will keep it healthy during the winter. Drain and store your garden hose. Leaving hoses out all winter will cause freezing and may crack the hose. Check roof shingles, flashings and chimney bricks for leaks.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have it cleaned. Last winter's fires will have left a lot of creosote behind. Be sure to have the cleaning done before you start using the fireplace. If you are not using your fireplace, consider installing a Draftstopper, an inflatable polyurethane "pillow" designed to seal the fireplace when it is not being used, reducing heat loss. Close off foundation vents in crawl spaces to prevent heat loss from your home by plugging the vents with rigid foam insulation. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with the test button and change the batteries. Any alarm older than five years should be replaced.
Empty gas from lawn mowers or put in gas additive for easier startup in the spring.
Depending on where you live, stock up on safety salt, snow shovels, windshield washer fluid, ice scrapers and antifreeze.
Another important note as we get older: let the young folks shovel the snow!
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