January Home Maintenance
Winter can be extremely harsh to the health of your home. Dropping temperatures and high winds can stress both the interior and exterior, adding a number of projects to your to-do list. During these frigid days, it can be easy to find ourselves dreaming of more tepid climates.
In the meantime, while you are waiting for the warmer temperatures and better weather, take the next few weeks to take care of some tasks around the house.
Replace Furnace Filter
The life of your furnace and the health and safety of your family depend on regular heating system maintenance. Furnaces have been working overtime with all the cold weather recently. To help ensure it is working at its maximum potential, replace the furnace filter. Keeping this on your regular to-do list will prevent dust, dirt, mold spores, soot, bacteria, and allergens from building up in the air inside your home.
Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
It is recommended that homeowners test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month to ensure they are properly working. Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector, be sure to get one. These should also be installed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.
Replace Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected, or dead batteries. The batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should be changed twice per year, so be sure to mark your calendar with the dates when you changed the batteries and when the next change is due. You can also mark the actual battery with the date you changed them out.
Check Caulking Around Showers And Bathtubs; Repair As Needed
Bathroom caulking does not last forever, and over time, it can crack and become discoloured. If not repaired, it can lead to water damage. If you have old caulking in your shower or tub that should be replaced, get in touch with us today.
Clean and Vacuum Curtains or Blinds
Curtains can add a lot to the décor of your home, but they can also hold a lot of dirt and dust. It is important to regularly dust or vacuum your curtains or blinds using a feather duster, dusting cloth or damp cloth, or a smaller fabric attachment on your vacuum cleaner. If it has been a long time since you cleaned your curtains, you may want to wash them or have them dry-cleaned.
Repair Any Interior Wall Damage; Touch Up or Repaint As Needed
Damage to your interior walls can be hard to avoid, but fortunately, most issues can be fixed easily and inexpensively. Small holes from a screw or a nail can be filled with some spackle and then sanded with fine grain sandpaper. Larger holes are a bit trickier, and while you may be able to take care of it yourself, a professional will make sure the job is done right the first time.
