Fall home preparation.
Flush hot water heater, clean out vents. This prolongs the life of the heater and helps with
efficiency as well. In Orange County we have terrible corrosive water. Checking
the water heater is vital. There are also service companies that will clean your air ducts. After any construction, remodel or in dusty areas you might consider getting all that junk out every other year.
Winterize air conditioning systems. Remove and store window units. If you have central
air, cover the outside unit with a tarp or plastic sheeting and secure
with bungee cords. Clean out leaves or debris.
Get heating system ready. Add insulation to windows or
doors that leak air. Make
sure heating vents are open and not blocked by furniture. Get furnace
serviced/inspected at least every other year, preferably annually. As with
the AC, this shouldn’t be a huge expense. Don’t forget about fireplaces if
you have them. Hire a professional to sweep the chimney, and inspect the
brick, flue and caps.
Turn off and flush outdoor water faucets. Also flush hoses and store them. Winterize sprinkler
systems as well. (this not necessary in warmer climates such as Orange County where I live J
Check driveway for cracks. Make sure to have re-sealed before winter; water can
freeze and expand in the cracks, causing more damage. Have a pro grind
down any entry walk that lifts as to trip someone.
Buy gear that is off season. Purchase summer goods in the Fall when they are
on sale. In September shade umbrellas, cushions, garden tools and pool
equipment is discounted to make room for Christmas decorations.
Check foundation of your home. Take a very long flat head screw
driver and go around the perimeter looking for dry rot or mud tubes in the
soil up to wood. Termite granules purchased a a hardware store won’t kill
all the infestation, but will slow the buggers down. I am a huge proponent
of organic and not using chemicals, as I love to have vegetables and herbs
to eat but orange oil doesn’t work. Check where rain gutters or water
settles. Removing water sources will make the next colony go elsewhere.
They are mostly in kitchens and bathrooms.
Paint Once a family owns a home painting is the most
overlooked tool. Paint seals the home and needs to be freshened up indoors
and out. Check laundry room, where your dogs sleep and bathrooms all these
are a Saturday project to freshen up this winter.
Bleach
and water solution
of one cup bleach and two cups water – wash under all sinks, around base of
toilets and caulking. If you have black or red discolored grout take a
toothbrush (open all the windows) and apply bleach not diluted. Leave it on for
an hour and rinse a couple times with water. A half a cup of bleach can scrub a
whole bathroom. Don’t pour a quart and leave it open the fumes are not good.
Oil and lubricate doors, locks, and anything metal.
Check and change light bulbs and batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Get the whole family on a chore day together!
