Autumn Maintenance Checklist for Every NM Homeowner
Autumn is one of the most enchanting times of the year. With winter just around the corner, the surroundings explode in a virtual wonderland of colors and sensations. But, autumn is also the time for preparation and maintenance checklist completion when you need to get your home ready for the coming winter.
Here are some of the most important care and maintenance checklist preparations you have to make as an NM homeowner.
Cleaning the gutters
Cleaning your gutters and downspouts will help save you a lot of trouble when the weather turns cold. If you haven’t cleaned these parts of the house in the past few months, leaves and debris would likely have accumulated over time. This could cause a host of problems such as wood rot and pest infestations, all of which could lead to costly repairs.
Even if you are covered by NM Home Insurance, it is always advisable to perform regular preventative maintenance. Doing so will go a long way in keeping your insurance premiums manageable.
Inspecting your windows and doors
Now would be a good time to change your summer screens to storm windows and doors better suited for frigid temperatures. While you’re at it, take the time to inspect your window and door frames and fix any loose fasteners and damaged sections.
If necessary, attach new weather stripping or apply new caulking around your window and door seams. This will prevent drafts from entering your home and help you keep your heating bills low.
Getting your heating system in order
Speaking of heating, make sure that your heating system is in tiptop shape. Replacing your furnace’s filter is always a good idea. Doing so now will save you the trouble of having to do it in the middle of winter when you need a fully functioning furnace.
You can do some things to keep your furnace in optimal condition, such as cleaning the ducts. But don’t hesitate to call in professional help if getting your furnace back to working order is beyond your capabilities.
Clearing your radiator vents
Don’t forget to give your radiator some TLC. Steam radiators typically have air vents that get clogged over time or get painted over. Regardless of the reason why they get blocked, obstructed air vents are recipes for disaster. If you can’t clear out the blockage despite your best efforts, consider calling in a professional to replace the vents.
Checking your detectors
After getting your furnace and radiators in order, turn your attention to your smoke and CO detectors. These are often neglected in the flurry of preparation that takes place before winter. But they are just as essential for ensuring your comfort and safety as anything else.
Pay particular attention to the batteries and expiration dates. Most smoke detectors have a lifespan of approximately ten years. CO detectors, on the other hand, will need to be replaced every six years or so.
Inspecting your plumbing
Your plumbing system is another crucial area of your home that you will need to get in order before winter comes. You need to check for wear and tear that could result in burst pipes and cracked seams for starters.
Make sure that your pipes are properly insulated as well. This will prevent freezing and bursting when temperatures plunge. It would also help to know where your shut-off valve is located in case your pipes freeze despite your best efforts.
Cleaning your chimney and fireplace
If you have a chimney and a fireplace, it is vital to give them a thorough going-over when fall comes. But beyond rudimentary cleaning and minor repairs, you will probably need to enlist the aid of a professional cleaner to get these parts of your home in order.
The importance of thorough cleaning and maintenance cannot be overstated. Chimney fires and smoke buildup are very real risks, particularly in the winter when you will use your fireplace more frequently than at any other time of the year.
Checking attic ventilation
Finally, make sure that your attic is well-ventilated and that the insulation doesn’t obstruct the vents. It is also a good idea to clear out plant debris that may have accumulated over the past several months.
The coming of autumn should be a joyous occasion and a time of celebration. Follow these maintenance checklist tips to ensure that your home is prepared so that you can make the most of the season.
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.