December Seasonal Home Maintenance Tips
December Seasonal Home Maintenance Tips
It’s that magical time of year for holiday gatherings, hot chocolate and feasting. It is tempting to let home maintenance take a back seat this time of year with everything else going on. However, cold weather is tough on a house and a little work now will make less work (and money saved) in the future. Winter is coming, so it’s a great chance to get a leg up (or get caught up!) on those “honey do’s” before it gets too cold to go outside. Check out these tips for a happily winterized home:
- MIND THE DRAFT— Cold drafts are, well, cold! Drafts coming in can mean shivering nights and an expensive electric bill. To find hidden drafts, light a candle near the questionable door/window. If the flame flickers (or if you suddenly feel a cold breeze go up your PJs), then you’ve probably got a draft. Seal all gaps with caulk or with weather-stripping, depending on where it is.
- ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT DRYER FIRES – Dryer vents need to be cleaned. If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned it out or if you suspect it may be time, just do it. It’s a big fire risk and an easy fix.
- SAFE FOR SANTA—Get ready for the big guy’s holiday entrance by having you chimney cleaned. Before you light that first fire of the winter, be sure to check your chimney for buildup, or better yet, have it professionally cleaned. Chimney fires are preventable, so keep it clean!
- WRAP IT—Disconnect all your garden hoses and wrap all exterior pipes and spigots. Also, if you don’t have central heat, you may want to consider wrapping interior pipes or at the very least, keeping the cabinet doors open—especially those plumbing fixtures mounted on exterior walls. Busted pipes are one of the least festive things I can think of.
- FILTER YOURSELF—This may be the easiest to-do list item and it takes less time than 1 commercial! Change your air filter. It will help your system run more efficiently and cut down on allergens.
- PUT A SANTA HAT ON IT! – Last one on the list, but don’t worry, it’s a fun one! You can now be free to pull out the lights, trees, wreaths and plastic reindeer! While stringing lights, get a twofer by checking exterior electrical components—from exterior lights to plugs. You may have already done this, so it may be something to check off the list!
The best tip of all has nothing to do with your house, other than to be sure to use it to hang out with your family and friends as much as you can this holiday season. Happy December!
Lisa E. Priest can’t wait to get her picture with Santa and is a Broker/REALTOR® with Picket Fence Realty, Inc. You can call her via phone or text at 903-948-3343 or read more at BuyPalestine.com
