2015 New Year - Winter Home Maintenance Tips
Leaking Windows and Electrical Outlets
With winter setting in, finding the weak points in your home will not only help keep your home warm, but it will also help cut down on heating bills.
Identify any windows that may have broken seals by looking for condensation on the inside of the window.
Examine electrical outlets throughout your home for any drafts, and insulate those that may be letting in cold air.
Check and Test GFCI Outlets
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are a must have in your home.
These special outlets protect people from electric shock by monitoring the amount of current flowing through the outlet.
If there is an imbalance of current, the outlet trips the circuit of the appliance, cutting off the electricity.
- You can test GFCI outlets with a circuit tester that has its own GFCI test button.
- GFCIs do wear out, and their lifespan is about 10 years.
- Replace GFCIs that no longer function properly - these outlets save thousands of lives each year.
Many homeowners have home safety and preparedness at the top of their priority list, and the New Year stands as the perfect time to discover what improvements and fixes your home will need in the coming months.
Other items to look at in a new year:
If you're in an area that is known to have inclement weather, make sure you have proper snow removal equipment and have alternative energy options in case of power outages.
January is also a great month for reviewing warranties and product information on a furnace, large appliances, and any other big ticket items in the home
Preventative maintenance will not only save you money and keep your home safe, but houses that do not keep up with maintenance have been known to lose up to 10% to 12% off their appraised value.
The US Census has estimated that annual maintenance can cost between 1% and 3% of a home's initial costs dependent upon the geographic location of the home.
With the New Year, getting a head start on yearly to dos, and anticipating yearly maintenance, will put you ahead of the issues and have you prepared for any upcoming and unforeseen fixes.
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Jim Starwalt
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2015 New Year - Winter Home Maintenance Tips
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