Home Maintenance Tips

Home Maintenance can keep improving the value of your home. Any home improvement is essential in maintaining your home. Below or some suggestions for this month.

• Clean your pipes – Descale Pipes using vinegar. Make sure you inspect pipes to see if they need more treatments.
• Clean Showerheads and sink faucets – Soaking your shower heads overnight using vinegar in a plastic bag secured with a rubber band. Cleaning these will increase water flow.
• Clean caulk lines and recaulk – Remove moldy or dirty caulk around the bathtub, shower, sink, toilet and recaulk.
• Get Rid of Ice Dams – Removing the ice cicle and ice dams can prevent wood rot and other water problems.
• Check your furnace – It is a good idea to have your furnace cleaned by a certified HVAC professional. Filters should be changed every 3 months.
• Inspect your roof – check for any signs of damage. Whether you inspect it yourself or hire a professional, spotting potential problems, like damaged or missing shingles, may help you avoid a bigger problem and potentially more expensive repairs down the road. That’s why it’s a good idea to make any necessary small repairs before the sleet, ice and snow of winter arrive.
• Fill gaps around windows and doors – Drafts around windows and doors can leave you feeling cold, and they could be wasting energy as your furnace works harder to warm that cool air. One should apply caulk around the window trim to seal off any drafts. Another option is to install weatherstripping around edges of doors and windows to create a tight seal. You can also make a simple door draft blocker to help keep heat from escaping under your door.
• Test the sump pump – As water drains from under and around your home, your sump pump pushes it out of the house and away from the foundation. Have a professional inspect your sump pump each year to ensure it is working properly. You can also consult your sump pump’s owner’s manual and perform some basic maintenance and regular testing yourself.
• Inspect your chimney and fireplace – There’s something special about a warm fire on a cold winter’s night, but it’s important to get your chimneys, vents and fireplace cleaned first. If you have a gas fireplace, your chimney and flue should be inspected for any blockages. A professional will also inspect the gas lines and vents for leaks and can make necessary repairs.
• Clean your gutters – Clogged gutters can lead to issues like water damage, loosened gutters, iice dams and issues with insects and rodents. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are cleared of leaves, sticks and other debris at least twice a year
• Store outdoor furniture – Winter can be hard on patio furniture. Wicker, plastic, resin and wood furniture should be cleaned (follow the manufacturer’s directions) and stored indoors for the winter.
• Switch ceiling fan direction – When the weather gets cooler, flip your ceiling fans’ reverse switches so that the fans move in a clockwise direction. This creates updrafts that pushes the warm air that rises toward the ceiling back down into the room. This means you may be able to turn down the thermostat and will be able to save on heating bill.

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