Friday, January 20, 2012

Don’t Lag on Winter Home Maintenance

Homes may require some extra attention when it comes to maintenance to protect itself against the cold, harsh weather.

A recent article at Realty Times offers up some maintenance tips for the winter months:

Keep out drafts. Twice a year check your windows and doors for any air leaks, and add caulking, if needed. If extra caulking won’t suffice and you don’t have the money for a replacement, consider adding a storm door to keep out drafts or at least purchasing a draft blocker, which lies at the bottom of your door to block out the cold air.

Check the heating system. “Central heat and air units need to be checked over,” the Realty Times article notes. “When a unit is well-serviced it will save you fuel and thus money.”

Assess the ductwork. Make a trip to the attic to ensure that any parts haven’t become disconnected as well as a critter hasn’t chewed through any duct work.

Clean the gutters. Gutters can become clogged of leaves or other debris. When that happens, they can hold water, which can eventually rot away the siding or roof of your home. Make sure to keep the gutters clean.

Prevent freezing pipes. “When the weather drops below freezing you need to keep your pipes from freezing,” the Realty Times article notes. “Let faucets drip and unhook all outdoor hoses.”

Read more winter maintenance tips at Realty Times. NAR's consumer site HouseLogic.com also has thorough tips and information for seasonal maintenance that you can provide to your customers and clients.

Source: “Winter Home Maintenance,” Realty Times (Jan. 19, 2012)

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