With November here, it’s time to prepare for the colder months ahead in North Georgia. Let’s tackle some home maintenance tasks. We know how unpredictable our weather can be. A few simple steps now will help you avoid costly repairs later. They will also keep your home warm, cozy, and energy-efficient this winter.
Here’s a quick guide to get your home winter-ready!
Winterize Your Outdoor Plumbing
One of the key tasks this month is protecting your outdoor plumbing. With the temperature dipping, those exposed water pipes need care to prevent freezing and damage.
- Drain and Store Garden Hoses: Detach your garden hoses. Then, drain them before storing them for the season.
- Shut Off Exterior Water Valves: First, turn off the main valve for outdoor faucets. Then, open the faucets to drain any remaining water.
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas, with foam insulation. This will protect them from freezing in cold air.
Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With colder weather, our heating systems will run more. It’s vital to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work.
- Conduct a Monthly Test: Give the “test” button on each detector a push to confirm they’re doing their job. If they don’t respond, it’s time to pop in some fresh batteries!
- Replace Batteries and Expired Units: Change the batteries every six months. If any detector is over 10 years old, replace it.
- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: If you haven’t, please install carbon monoxide detectors. Put them close to bedrooms and on every level of your home.
Service Your Furnace or Heating System
Staying warm is key to a comfy winter, and a little prep can lead to big savings! Before the real cold sets in, getting your furnace checked out can prevent any hiccups down the line.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection. A licensed tech can spot issues and tune your system.
- Replace or clean filters. Dirty ones can make your system work harder, costing you more money. Aim to change your filters every 1-3 months during the heating season.
- Watch for Odd Noises or Smells: Listen for strange sounds, like banging or rattling. Also, smell for any funky odors. These could signal a problem needing urgent attention.
Don’t miss this chance to tick off these important tasks before winter is fully upon us! Staying proactive now can save you from inconvenient and costly repairs later.
These measures will prep your home for winter. You’ll have peace of mind, knowing you’ve covered everything for the season. Stay warm and cozy!
