Prepare Your Home Before You Hibernate
By Home Security Source 9/28/2010 | 11:10:00 amPosted in: Carbon Monoxide, DIY Safety, Home, Home Security Tips It’s official. Summer is over. As the temperature drops and the leaves turn, people tend to spend more time indoors, so it’s important to prepare your home for the changing season. Here are some good tips to get you on the right track:
When the cold air starts seeping into your cozy warm home, you have a money draining issue. Make sure to check for air leaks on your windows and doors, and seal them. Your wallet will thank you.
Speaking of heat, it’s a great idea to clean your air ducts to get the most efficient flow possible. This is also beneficial for indoor allergy sufferers because it clears out the dust that has collected all summer. If you use a fireplace, have it professionally cleaned and inspected for air leaks to prevent chimney fires. Also be sure to mount a carbon monoxide detector in the area.
Something else to think about as the temperatures drop are your house pipes. Make sure you know how to shut off the main water valve to prevent pipes from freezing. If you have a sprinkler or septic system, be sure to have them drained to prevent the pipes from bursting.
When you prepare your home for colder temps, you have to pay some attention to the outside as well, like cleaning the gutters. It’s necessary to prevent clogs from leaves, which can cause water to pool up in unwanted places. Pools of standing water can ruin your roof, driveway and compromise the house foundation.
Most people do not let leaves accumulate in the yard, and rake them into neat piles. This is fine; however, if you live in an area prone to wildfires, it’s important to bag leaves and dispose of them, otherwise the leaf piles serve as kindling and fuel for potential wildfires.
*Content expressed in Home Security Source does not represent the thoughts and opinions of ADT unless explicitly indicated. Bloggers featured on HomeSecuritySource.com are professionals compensated by ADT. Please visit our Community Guidelines page for additional details.