After one of the hottest summers in history here in Alabama we are welcoming the cooler temperatures. Along with those cooler temps we also have to get our home and cars ready to help prevent problems.
In the following list are basic things that need to be checked around the house before those winter winds blow. This is a perfect opportunity to teach your children these important life skills, especially your sons. Let them do as much as possible with you by your side and by the time they are in their teens they should be able to do these chores on their own. What a blessing to a family to have capable young men helping manage a home. Even better, they will become men that can one day manage their own homes well.
If you are not sure how to go about doing some of these maintenance jobs check online, there are alot of websites that offer good tutorials. The library and local box stores are good resources too.
Clean Gutters- This is especially important during and after the leaves fall. This can be done by hand or with some sort of scraper. It would also help to use a hose to spray them clean to get all the debris out. While you are spraying them out check to make sure the pipes are aligned correctly and directing water away from the house. If your gutters are not cleaned out it will cause blockage and wood damage.
Air Leaks- Check your doors, windows and outlets for any air leaks. With adult supervision on a windy day, let your son use a lighter and hold in next to the door while it is closed. If the flame is being 'blown' away from the door that means you have air coming through. Department and box stores have a whole section with products to stop leaks.
Filters- Change your air filters in your home regularly. This is a great project for younger boys to do on a regular basis. Mark a day on your calendar to help you keep track of when to do it.
Heating Ducts- Check to make sure your heating ducts are all connected correctly. Ducts should also be cleaned out every couple of years. If they need patching, use metal tape.
Windows- Let your sons help with putting storm windows in place. If you don't use storm windows you can use a plastic to help block that winter wind.
Fire Places- If you burn wood or coal, keep the chimney cleaned. Chimney fires are one of the most common causes of house fires. Place a good quality protective cap on your chimney to help with unwanted debris. Keep the vent closed when not burning a fire.
Smoke Detectors- This is another important, yet easy job for younger boys to do on a regular basis. Make sure they are in good working order.
Wrap Pipes- Be sure your pipes in and under your home are wrapped to prevent bursting.
Make sure all outside hoses are empty and the faucets have insolated covers on them. In the north be sure all outside water valves are shut off.
Don't wait until there is a hard freeze in the forecast to do this.
Trees- Check to see if the Power company needs to come trim and limbs away from the lines before those winter winds blow.
Salt- Have a bag of salt (or cat litter) ready for an icy sidewalk.
Vacuum- Vacuum out all your heaters. Also, vacuum refrigerator coils- This keeps your refrigerator working more efficiently.
Ceiling Fans- If you have ceiling fans, turn them on reverse which will push the warmer air down from the ceiling.
Lawn Equipment- Empty the gas out of your lawn mower and weed eater if you live in the hard winter areas. If you live in the south, try to run your equipment once a month or so to keep them from dry rotting.
These are a few things to help your home be more comfortable and efficient this winter.