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Annual Winter Maintenance Tasks
- Exterior Maintenance Tasks
- Replace your window screens with storm windows if you have them. If you do not have storm windows, it’s still a good idea to remove the screens.
- Drain your garden hoses and store them in the garage or a covered area.
- Get your chimney cleaned if you rely on a fireplace or a woodstove for heat.
- Identify tree hazards that could pose a risk to your home or safety from a heavy snow load or strong wind.
- Place a screen over intake vents to prevent rodents from discovering a warm place to call home.
- Clean debris from flat roofs or roof valleys where leaves can collect and hold moisture.
- Store patio furniture in the garage or garden shed.
- Interior Maintenance Tasks
- Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to force warm air down into the room.
- Install or increase attic insulation or have a professional inspection if you’re concerned about heat loss through the roof.
- Inspect pipes that run on exterior walls for proper insulation or any vulnerabilities to freezing.
- Have your furnace or heating system professionally inspected.
- Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Turn off water valves that supply water to hose spigots if you have them.
- Pour a few gallons of water in your sump pit to make sure the sump pump works correctly.
- Remove and store any window mounted AC units.
- If your HVAC system has a humidifier, get it inspected and calibrated. Make sure the drain line is clear.
On-Going Winter Maintenance Tasks
- Exterior Tasks
- Continue to monitor the roof for any ice dams or damage. Icicles hanging from your roof line is an indication of a poorly insulated attic and a potential ice damn threat.
- Keep large snowdrifts from piling up against your home.
- Use sand or gravel on walkways for traction. Salt/ice-melt is also effective but has a narrow operating temperature range and isn’t very environmentally friendly.
- Keep driveways and walkways clear of snow between storms.
- Interior Tasks
- Monitor windows and doors for drafts.
- During deep cold spells (less than 15 degrees for more than 24 hours) keep all interior doors open to encourage heat circulation.
- Replace your HVAC air filter every three months.
Vin Bagnaturo
SmartHome Inspections LLC
https://smarthomeinspections.net
vin@smarthomeinspections.net
201.600.7763
LICENSE #24G100184400
Radon Certification: #MET14113
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