FALL HOME TIPS | COLORADO SPRINGS REAL ESTATE
Fall is the perfect time for home maintenance and to check off that to-do-list! With winter potentially brining in storms, you want to make sure your house is in good shape for the season and beyond. Below are some helpful tips to get your home ready for winter.
- Clean out your Gutters
The best time to clean out the gutters is once most of the leaves have finished or have completely fallen. Remove all debris from the gutters, check for damage, and address any major repairs. Not maintaining your gutters could cause them to collapse from to much debris, could lead to water/roof damage, pest problems, cause ice formations and other potential issues.
- Protect your Pipes and Plumbing
The first step in this process is to make sure there are no current leaks and to test the water pressure and temperature. If you come across any problems hire a plumber to resolve the issues. Once your pipes are in good shape (no leaks) make sure they are adequately insulated. To protect exterior faucets from freezing temperatures add covers around them. You want to make sure you know where the main water shut-off valve is and that is easily accessible in case any water heater or plumbing problems occur.
- Drain your Garden Hose and have your Sprinkler Blown Out
Disconnect your garden hose including the nozzle and drain it. This can help save you from having to buy a new hose and bib if water freezes in the inside. This can also help prevent your pipes from freezing. Most landscaping/irrigation companies offer a sprinkler blowout and winterization service, make sure to make appointment in a timely matter as these services tend to book fast as winter approaches. The common services included are all zones of the sprinkler system are cleared out with an air compressor, the water line and controller are turned off, sprinkler heads are inspected, and the vacuum breaker is winterized. This service can be used for both manual and automatic systems. By having your sprinkler system blown out you are decreasing the chances of having systems problems occur during the spring when you're to turn your system back on for the season. Also, this helps to avoid broken irrigation pipes during the winter months which could cause flooding on your lawn.
- Clean your Chimney
Make sure the ashes are cleaned out and there are no buildup of leaves or obstructions around the exterior of the chimney. To help prevent moisture and unwanted guest in your home it is important to make sure there are no cracks or that the chimney crown is not broken. You also want to make sure that all the soot, debris, and creosote are all cleaned out. If you have not had your yearly chimney inspection now is the time to have it done. It is recommended to have a yearly inspection on your chimney so if you haven't already done so make your appointment now before you are ready to have your first fireplace lite of the season.
- Service your Heating and Cooling Systems
Before the cold temperatures arrive check to make sure the air filter is in good condition, if not replace it. The air filter should be checked every other month. Clean out the ventilation system and if any repairs need to made have them fixed before the winter season begins. Having your HVAC system serviced before winter comes is beneficial in many ways but most important it could prevent a larger repair bill if it fails during the winter months.
- Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
As you will begin to use your furnace and/or fireplace more often you want to make sure that your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly. It is recommended that batteries be replaced every year and that a smoke and CO detector is located on every level, outside any sleeping spaces.
Are you looking to sell or move to Colorado Springs, don't hesitate to reach out or give us a call: 719-540-6421 .
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Posted by Brooke Falcone on
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