Among many of the great things North Idaho provides, the cold & snowy months are some of the prettiest! But it can also be the hardest on our homes.
Some maintenance this fall/winter can help avoid some costly damage to one of the biggest investments you’ll make... your home. For those of you who are first time home buyers or maybe you just need a reminder, here is a list of maintenance you can perform this year to be sure your home is ready.
Gutters & Downspouts
|
What to do |
Why |
| Clean gutters and downspouts throughout fall | A build up of leaves and other debris could lead to wood rot, pest issues, and ruined gutters |
| Double check water isn’t coming behind the gutters and they are all secured | Loose, damaged or compromised gutters could cause them to be forcibly removed from the side of your house as a result causing costly damage |
| Be sure the water drains correctly and no pooling occurs | Pooling can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways |
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Windows & Doors
| What to do | Why |
| Change summer screens to cool weather storm windows & doors | Removing screens stops snow from getting trapped between the window and screen, as a result avoids damage to the sill and frame. Additionally, it lets in more light. Installing storm windows & doors helps keep your home insulated through the cold months |
| Repair or replace loose or damaged window or door frames | Keeps your home better insulated |
| Insert weather stripping or caulking around windows & doors | Prevents drafts and lowers heating bills |
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Heating Systems
| What to do | Why |
| Replace the filter in your furnace | Helps the lifespan of your heater, reduces energy bills as well as improves air quality |
| Have a heating professional check your heating system | Ensures your heating system’s performance is optimal. They may discover minor problems before they become major and costly |
| Clean your ducts | Better your heaters efficiency and reduces dust |
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Plumbing
| What to do | Why |
| Be sure pipes are well insulated | Prevents freezing and bursting pipes |
| Know how to find and turn off the water shut off valve | In case pipes do freeze you can shut your water off and avoid a larger mess |
| Shut off exterior faucets and store hoses indoors |
Protect your pipes from the damages of freezing temperatures |
| Flush and insulate your hot water tank | Flushing removes sediment which in turn could extend the life of your tank. Insulating can help conserve energy, therefore saving you money |
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Chimney & Fireplace
| What to do | Why |
| Have a professional inspect & clean your chimney | Prevents dangerous chimney fires |
| Test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when it’s closed | Avoids snow or water getting into your chimney |
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Ventilation
| What to do | Why |
| Be sure insulation in the attic doesn’t cover vents in the eaves | Prevents winter ice dams on the roof and mold in the attic |
| Check that ridge vents and vents at eaves are free of plants and other debris | Prevents winter ice dams on the roof and mold in the attic |
| Check bird and rodent screens for attic vents | Prevents unwanted guests |
| Clean dryer vents of lint | The cool and dry fall weather can increase static electricity and as a result can consequently ignite lint that is built up. The buildup can also make your dryer work less efficiently |
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Landscape and Outside Work
| What to do | Why |
| Fertilize and reseed your lawn | The grass roots are growing deeper into the ground in the fall therefore it’s the best time to do this |
| Prune your trees and shrubs | Encourages healthy growth |
| Trim limps that are close to power lines or the roof of your home | Avoids heavy snow/ice building up causing damage |
| Cover patio furniture with heavy tarps or store inside a shed, garage or basement | Protects them from the elements which could cause rust |
| Check your walkways, stairs, and driveway for winter safety | Will help navigating to be safer when snow is on the ground and make shoveling easier |
| Stock up on winter supplies such as shovels, ice scrapers, ice melt etc. | That way you have all the supplies you need when the winter weather comes as well as avoids the people who did not stock up |
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Air Conditioners
| What to do | Why |
| Place a sheet of plywood held down by a few bricks on top and your AC, not a waterproof cover | Plywood can stop falling icicles and other debris which would cause damage to the unit. Waterproof cover creates a warm environment therefore invites unwanted guests to stay for the winter. |
| Remove window AC units | Heat could escape through the accordion extension panels on the AC and the chassis as a result would let in cold air |
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Safety Devices
| What to do | Why |
| Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if needed | Make sure the devices are working. It’s a good idea to do this regularly, no matter the time of year |
| Check expiration date on fire extinguisher and replace if past the date | Expiration dates are needed because over time the pressurized gas used to propel chemicals to put out a fire escapes. Once past the expiration date it may no longer work effectively. If there is no expiration date, keep in mind they typically last 5-15 years. |
| Test your home for radon | As weather gets colder we keep our window shut. As a result, radon is more likely to be trapped in your home so fall/winter is a good time to test. |
Printable Home Maintenance Checklist
