Mild November will get a blast of winter’s wrath, but only for a day or so.  Consider this your reminder to get your home prepared for the Winter season ahead.  There is still time, as once the front passes, we will be back in our normal mild Fall climate that is a huge reason many decide to call Coastal Virginia home.

Check out these preventative measures that if assessed now can prevent bigger issues later in the season.

HVAC Assessment

If you do not already have a yearly maintenance program with a reputable Heating & Air Conditioning company, now is the time to put one in place.  HVAC systems work at their optimal best when checked and maintained at least twice a year – before Winter and before Summer.   These check-ups ensure your system is ready for continual use such as what typically happens in colder months.  Go ahead and schedule an appointment now so your system is prepared for your home’s heating comfort.  Change filters for improved efficiency and air quality.  Lastly, test your thermostats and if you have a programmable one, made sure it is set for the time change and your winter schedule.

Draft Prevention – if you have compromised seals on windows and doors or gaps too, save yourself time and money by sealing up and caulking any questionable areas.  Caulking and weatherstripping creates a tighter seal keeping warm air in and cold air out.  Looking for air leaks is more than feeling that cool draft if you sit near a window.  Use an incense stick or candle to look and check for “air movement” – this can exist at outlets, switch plates and even pipes that enter your home.  The use of foam gaskets can help seal up those areas and keep things cozy inside.  One final step is to make sure your pipes are insulated and protected especially in your garage, the room over the garage and crawl spaces.

Water System Protection

Although this area is not prone to deep freezes we have been known to get them for several days at a time.  Protecting your water pipes and drains is essential, even if you don’t think a freeze is going to happen, it’s best to be prepared!  Start by draining all your outdoor faucets like garden hoses or soaker hoses.  Include draining the hose bib too as their water supply lines are prone to freezing too.  Even inside pipes that are located near your home’s exterior walls can freeze, so a good insulation of these pipes is helpful too.  Shut off valves to the outdoor lines to save yourself grief and costly repairs.  Have a professional inspect your roof and gutters.  A good cleaning of gutters and downspouts should be part of your yearly if not twice a year routine.  Once cleared they allow for proper drainage of melting snow and ice.  Clogged gutters can lead to what is known as an ice dam, and if ignored, the results can damage your roof.  Locate and test your main water shut off valve – if a water emergency occurs such as a burst pipe, you will want to know where this valve is and shut it off immediately to prevent damage. 

Fire Safety Checks

We all love the cozy ambiance of the glow of candles and or a fireplace.  And with increased use of these items in our home, comes the need to address fire safety.  One common routine is to check all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries.  A lot of people like to do this when Daylight Savings Time happens twice a year.  Since we just turned the clocks back, be sure to go around your home and test and check these detectors.  Just like having an annual termite inspection, a fireplace and chimney inspection is important.  Before using your fireplace, have a professional come out and inspect yours.  Have it cleaned, get the damper checked and make sure no nests have been built in the chimney by birds or squirrels.  When using open flames in your home, be sure to keep flame sources three feet away from flammable materials such as paper, wood, blankets, and clothing. 

Your friends at Cale Realty want you to have a safe and comfortable winter, and the best way to ensure you will is to routinely check your home for safety and maintenance measures.