Buying a home can be scary and exhilarating. Most properties have multiple systems that make a home more comfortable and safe. Do you realize the seasons play a role in home maintenance? Lower temperatures bring multiple issues into focus:
- Switch to heat on the HVAC side.
- Time to cover the A/C Condenser or Swamp Cooler
- Measure your device prior to buying a cover
- A good time to replace HVAC Filter (Buy packages of three)
- Good time to consider upgrade to Nest Thermostat or Ecobee
- Outside water concerns.
- Ice is the strongest enemy. It is able to break copper, steel and even concrete
- Disconnect outside hoses, drain, then stash for winter
- Lawn Sprinklers need to be blown out with compressed air prior to first frost
- Down Spouts: Make sure the outflow is directed away from foundation or walkways.
- Make sure the ends of the down spout extensions are not smashed or obstructed.
- Gutter Cleaning: Late fall cleaning after the leaves have fallen
- Prevents ice dams and gutter damage
- Gap Maintenance: Calking, sealing
- Doors and windows: Check for gaps that allow infiltration of cold air
- Doors should be checked for Seal issues and threshold gaps
- The whole house exterior should be checked for gaps that would allow mice or their buddies in.
- Composting Concerns: Critters
- Composting on the ground can lead to rat issues
- One solution: Better Composter or two……
- Home Security: Winter Research
- First research Z-Wave (wireless Internet of Things technology)
- Contract or DIY decision. ADT sells a mixture of Z-Wave and other (Contract)
- Do you need a Hub to bring it all together? Be aware there is a big list of big players
- There is a Z-Wave Hub called Homey from Athom that senses a variety of devices
- This solution will automatically sense Z-Wave and Wi-Fi devices (Kwickset door locks or Nest Thermostats)
Home Inspection:Tilley Home Inspection’s goal is to not only report on home, but also help the owner take care of their investment.
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