PA Real Estate Blogs

As the coldest winter weather approaches its important to consider a few handy tips:

1. Clean gutters of leaves and debris to prevent stoppages. Gutters and downspouts are light weight aluminum or cooper and need realigning from time to time to assure the correct pitch and drainage

2. Check storm and entrance doors for proper weather stripping. Weather stripping does deteriorate over time and needs to be refreshed to be effective.

3. Check your snow blower for proper operation. Sometime they may need to add fresh fuel if your unit has not been operated in a while.

4. Located your shovels, salt etc

5. Make sure all external faucets are closed off inside your home. Make sure that all unheated areas of your home do not have exposed water lines that are unwrapped.

6. If you plan to use your wood stove or Fireplace make sure that you arrange for the flue to be inspected and cleaned before operation

7. Change your heating system to winter mode. Many HVAC duct systems have a winter setting. If you have Hot water heating unit check your pressure gauge for proper PSI and bleed the air out of the system.

8. Schedule your heating unit cleaning from a qualified tech. Make sure that the tech cleans the flue that is connected to the heating system as well as the fan and filter if you have a forced air system.

9. Install a Carbon monoxide unit for your homes safety

10. Since many homes experience power outages during the winter months create an emergency action plan for winter time extended power outages. Plan for Food water, emergency transport for pets, and alternative heating or place to stay if your heat is out.

Bill Sands Broker of Sands & Company Real Estate www.PaRealEstate.com