Hello, friends and neighbors! As the holidays approach and we open our houses to loved ones, schedules are packed, and finding time to take care of routine maintenance tasks may not be a priority. Sometimes in the rush to plan, cook, and clean for the perfect holiday gathering, we unintentionally let little, yet very important maintenance tasks fall through the cracks. Here are some that I do every year to prep as we move into colder months.
With no relief from expensive fuel prices in sight, save yourself some money and check all your windows and doors for drafts. Is the caulking cracked, or missing altogether? Grab a tube of caulk and seal those openings. This is a very easy way to keep warm air in, and cold out. If you have a broken window or cracked pane, this is the time to have it fixed or replaced. Another easy way to keep the drafts at bay is to replace your door sweeps. In about 30 minutes, you can replace the sweep and keep drafts, moisture, and even rodents out of your home.
If you’re using a wood stove for heat, check your stovepipe. Pay close attention to any joints as well as connections to the stove and chimney. Look for cracks and corrosion. If you find any, replace the pipe. No matter if you have a fireplace or stove, you might want to consider hiring a professional to take a look at your chimney, especially if it’s been a few years since this has been done. Clean chimneys help your fireplace or stove work more efficiently and use less fuel to keep you warm. A certified sweep can check for any leaks, creosote buildup, cracks, or warping, and have them fixed before the cold weather sets in permanently.
We all take running water for granted until it stops running. Think proactively instead of reactively and save yourself the headache of the inconvenience of frozen pipes, not to mention the huge expense of the repair and cleanup from a burst pipe. You can protect your pipes from the cold weather for just a few dollars and a few minutes of your time. This is one of those invisible tasks that you will be so glad you did when the weather dips down into the single digits.
If all these projects sound like something you would like to tackle, but you’re not sure where to get started, remember that we are here to help. To quote a customer, we “helped a clueless DIYer do it himself”. We can help make sure you have the right tools and supplies for the job, along with words of advice and encouragement so you can get the job done right!
