Keep your home cozy and winter-ready this December with our December maintenance tips!
From protecting your pipes and heating system to reversing ceiling fans and clearing gutters, a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your home safe and snug all season long.
- Clean out your gutters: Clearing everything away is important—if it rains (or snows) heavily and your gutters are too full, the water won’t be directed properly, which may cause flooding around your exterior and damage to your siding and foundation.
- Prevent your pipes from freezing: If you’re going to be out of town keep your thermostat set at 65 degrees and open any cabinetry with plumbing so it can still get warm air flow. You can also try adding some insulation to your pipes and faucets with a quick trip to the hardware store
- Get your sprinkler system blown out: As the name suggests, you simply want to make sure all of the water is out of the lines, so your system can stay dry through the winter months. This can be done by a professional or, if you have access to an air compressor, you can do it yourself.
- Maintain the trees on your property: Consider having an arborist come out to trim back large trees near your home or remove a tree or large branches that may be dead by the time winter is over. Otherwise, you risk a tree or branches falling over during a storm and causing damage.
- Reverse the ceiling fans: You can give your heating system a helping hand by reversing the motor on any ceiling fans to make them run in a clockwise direction. This will force the warm air that rises near the ceiling down to the living area while saving energy and money on heating costs.
- Check your heating system: Most manufacturers and technicians recommend scheduling a tune-up or inspection for your furnace every year. A professional will not only check for any safety issues, but they can also perform maintenance as a preventative measure.
Taking care of your home now means peace of mind for the holidays!
Always remember, we’re here for you!
Dave & JoAnne Adams, REALTORS®
703-963-4491
© 2024 Dave and JoAnne Adams