Fall and Winter Home Care
The refreshingly cool air of fall has arrived in Michigan. As the temperatures continue to drop, there are several things to do to ensure your new home continues to serve your family well. Follow these interior and exterior home maintenance checklists that contain important reminders for the cold season:
Interior
- Change the air filter in your heating system at the start of the cold season, and be sure to replace the filter every three months to ensure proper air quality.
- Turn on the home humidifier to make the air more comfortable and to eliminate dryness. Be sure to replace the humidifier pad annually for proper operation.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every season to prevent catastrophic damage to your home and family.
Exterior
- Remove all hose connections.
- Turn off exterior water sources and clear all water from the sprinkler system to prevent freezing.
- Inspect doors and windows for proper operation. Always keep your windows locked when closed for a tighter seal.
- Wrap outside air conditioner with an approved tarp or plastic cover to prevent rusting of the system’s vital parts.
- Be sure the outside lights are working properly. It’s much easier to change light bulbs in the fall than in the ice and snow of winter.
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
- During the winter months, keep driveways and sidewalks free of salt and other melting agents. These agents cause cracking and pitting of the cement. Instead, shovel soon after a snowfall, scatter sand for traction and wear boots that have deep treads to increase grip on icy surfaces.
- Keep the roof and gutters free of snow and ice in order to prevent ice dams, leaks and other damage.
Be sure to call a licensed professional if you are uncomfortable performing any of the above tasks.
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