Like most people, most homes require a lot of attention, especially when it comes to keeping them seasonal. base! Perhaps especially in areas that experience dramatic winters, a savvy homeowner is ready and prepared to pay special attention to some of the needs of properly preparing the home for the additional stresses caused by winter, such as cold weather, snow, ice and thaw etc. After more than 15 years as a licensed real estate salesperson in New York State, I generally advise my clients and clients to use a fully considered checklist to prepare, before the onset of the colder season, before that may be, too late! With that in mind, this article will briefly attempt to consider, examine, review, and discuss, 6 start – winterization needs, in terms of preparation.
1. Have your heating system professionally examined, repaired and maintained: It is advisable to have your heating system fully inspected and examined before winter! Most oil companies refer to this process as Preventive Maintenance or, P.M, and the service includes inspection, cleaning, effectiveness and efficiency testing, and ensuring that it is winterized. Regardless of whether one uses oil or natural gas, etc., this process is wise!
2. Check and adjust/clean radiators, vents, etc.: Do your radiators need to be bleeding, which is normally needed for waterborne systems? Do the valves need adjustment etc.? Are the vents and filters clean, in good condition and providing optimum performance and health?
3. Check windows and doors for drafts!: Are you wasting energy, and therefore both money and comfort, because your home has excessive drafts and/or air leaks? Have your windows and doors thoroughly draft/leak tested, and fix these areas as appropriate!
Four. Walk – around the outside/outside of the building and property: Take a thorough, detailed tour and inspect the condition of the home, itself, as well as the property, to identify any areas of concern, etc.! Are there loose panels on your siding or around the windows? Is your property properly sloped so that water, ice, or snow is removed from the building to reduce potential problems?
5. Fix/repair cracks/defects: If cracks and/or defects are discovered during inspections, repair them properly and completely! If ice gets into any crack, you risk extreme, dangerous, and expensive repairs.
6. Leaders and gutters: Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your roof, tracks and gutters! Make sure they are clear of debris, especially leaves and other possible obstructions! Make sure these areas, as well as the roof itself, are in good condition at the very least, and repair them, if necessary!
The more prepared one is, the fewer potential problems that could be prevented will occur! Will you be a wise homeowner?