Today marks the last full day of summer here in the Northern Hemisphere, tomorrow Fall begins. With yesterdays temperatures here in LaPorte peaking at 90 degrees you might not believe it. However, according to the astronomical calendar, September 22, 2018 at 8:54 P.M. CST is the moment we have equal day and night. From this point on until Friday December 21 our daylight will get increasingly shorter.
Is your home ready for the inclement weather Fall can bring? Here’s a list of a few things to check.
1. Inspect Roof & Gutters – Your roof is one of the most important parts of a good home. Without a good solid, water-tight roof, our homes interior can and will be damaged. It’s a good practice if possible to go into your attic during a rain storm to see if you have leaks. Also, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, clean your homes gutters. That’s a great time to do a visual inspection of the roof damage.
2. Fill Window & Door Gaps – According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat loss through windows is responsible for up to 30% of heating energy use. Adding a simple weather stripping is a simple way to eliminate drafts around windows and doors.
3. Drain your Outdoor Faucets – This includes draining and putting your hose out of the elements. Outside water spickets can and will freeze so don’t wait until it’s too late and they become damages. Some homes are equipped with an interior shutoff for your outside spicket. If you can shut the outside spicket off from the inside of your home consider having a professional install one for you.
4. Fix Cracked Driveways and Walkways - Water that seeps through cracks in your pavement can freeze and expand causing major damage. Concrete calking is an inexpensive do-it yourself remedy for this. If you have asphalt, consider sealing it or having it sealed by a professional. Preventive maintenance goes a long way here. Cracking and crumbling walkways and driveways can be expensive to repair or replace. Plus, sometimes the freezing will cause heaving of walks and drives that can be a hazard to those who walk over it.
5. Change Dirty Furness Filter – If your Furness has a clogged filter it will use more energy so change your Furness filter it at least once a year. If your tired of buying disposable filters, try purchasing the washable style that are reusable.
6. Change Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries – At least once a year you should make sure both your Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors are working properly. Replace the batteries annually is a great way to make sure your family and home stay protected.
These 6 things are a great place to start in protecting your home and your family. Preventive home maintenance can save you time and money in the long run. If you’re interested in other ways you can save money on your home expenses, consider a home insurance review. I’m happy to see if I can save money on your homeowner’s insurance with the coverages you need.
Bryan McCarty
Trusted Insurance Advisor