 Changes in seasons may not be as dramatic here as they are in other parts of the country, but they do happen. You can prepare and protect your home with these seasonal maintenance tips.
Cold and freezing weather can be a real home-wrecker. Keep it together with these precautionary tips.
- Clean or replace furnace and humidifier filters and clean the vents. This will increase efficiency and lower your energy bills.
- Hot summer sun may have damaged exterior caulking. Check and replace it as needed.
- Fences and gates take a beating during the summer months. Inspect yours for weather or insect damage. Replace or repair any damaged parts. Repaint or refinish as needed. And lubricate the hardware to protect from rust.
- Call a professional to winterize your air conditioner. This will add years to its life.
- Clean and flush the gutters and down spouts before the rainy season starts.
- Schedule any needed furnace maintenance early before peak use periods.
- Dry autumn weather is a great time to do any needed painting. It's still warm enough to open windows for ventilation inside and cool enough to make exterior paint more pleasant.
- In many areas, autumn can mean brush fires. Cut back any brush growing close to your home and remove any potential fire hazards.
In areas where freezing occurs...
In colder areas, pipes can freeze and break. If you plan to be away for more than a day or two in winter, ask a responsible person to check your home daily just to be safe. We also strongly recommend hiring a licensed plumber to protect your plumbing from freeze damage.
- To winterize your irrigation system, turn the supply valve 90 degrees, or cross ways to the supply line. Open the test valves as indicated by the illustration on your system. Turn the ball valves 1/8th of a turn to the "Winter" position.
- Remove garden hoses and store them away. Leaving them attached can cause damage to your home's plumbing. Attach freeze cones or wraps to protect all hose bibs from freezing.
- Do not use salt or deicers on your concrete surfaces. These can lead to pitting and cracking. Wash road salts off concrete as soon as possible. And use kitty litter or sand for traction.
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Don't over water lawns and shrubs. It can cause pooling around your home's foundation and lead to structural damage.
