Halloween Home Inspector

November 13, 2020

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:

  1. 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
  1. 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.
  1. Gutter Cleaning: Late fall cleaning after the leaves have fallen
  • Prevents ice dams and gutter damage
  1. 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.
  1. Composting Concerns: Critters
  • Composting on the ground can lead to rat issues
  • One solution: Better Composter or two……
  1. 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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