Although winters are rather mild in the San Antonio area, it’s still important to make a home maintenance list (and check it twice) to ensure your home is in tip-top shape.
Inspect your heating system.
It’s been a year since you’ve turned on your heater, but before you switch it on, it’s important to hire a professional to double check if everything is working properly. A/C professionals can look for any carbon monoxide or gas leaks or potential fire hazards with your heater that could do a lot more damage to you than a high energy bill.
Change direction of ceiling fans.
Warm air rises which means a lot of the time, the higher you are in your home the warm you get. Another way to save money on your energy bill is by redirecting your fans to create an upward draft to redistribute warm air from the ceilings, so that you get quick cooler. This will prevent you from having to crank up the thermostat too often.
Check windows and doors.
As the weather temperatures continue to drop at night, the last thing you want is cold weather creeping in underneath doors and windows. Check to see if there is any worn or damaged stripping and replace it if necessary. You can also use caulk to seal any open spaces around your doors or window frames. This will help prevent heat loss through the cracks. Plus, it’ll save you some cash on your energy bill!
Test your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors.
No one likes the annoying ‘chirping’ sound as the battery in your alarms slowly start to die out. Why is it that it always happens at night? Prevent the problem before it starts by testing the batteries in all of your alarms and detectors. Plus, a working battery could be the difference between life and death for your family.
Clean the gutters and drains.
Leaves, sticks, and dirt can create build up in gutters which can eventually send a flow of water in places you don’t want water to be, like your basement and home foundation.
Deep clean your home.
A few times a year, it’s important to deep clean your home. A deep clean can help clear out unwanted dust, allergens, and other icky things that can leave your family unsafe and unhealthy for you and your kiddos. Here’s a great cleaning checklist that will help you keep track of what and where to clean.