The 15-minute November Home Maintenance Checklist This Season
Clocks go back on Sunday, Nov. 1. It’s the perfect excuse to walk through your house once and knock out the small stuff before cold weather shows up.
Here’s the list. Most of it takes a few minutes.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test each one and put in fresh batteries. Check the date printed on the back. Smoke alarms generally need replacing after about 10 years. For carbon monoxide alarms, go by the label.
- Gutters and downspouts. The leaves are down, so clear them out. Clogged gutters send water where you don’t want it.
- HVAC filter. Swap it now. A fresh filter helps your system run easier all winter.
- Outdoor hoses. Disconnect them and drain them. Water left in a hose can freeze and damage the faucet and the pipe behind it.
- Dryer vent. Clear the lint from the vent and the hose. It’s a fire risk that’s easy to forget.
- Fireplace. If you use one, have the chimney checked before the first fire of the season.
- Ceiling fans. Switch them to run clockwise on low. It nudges warm air back down into the room.
- Weatherstripping and caulking. Check around exterior doors and windows for drafts. Re-caulk gaps and replace worn weatherstripping to lower your heating bills.
- Sump pump. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure the pump activates and discharges properly before winter rains and freezing temperatures arrive.
Got a boat? This is also a good time to ask your marina about winter plans.
One more thing
Thinking about selling in the spring? A home that has been well looked after shows well. The small jobs on this list are the same ones a buyer’s inspector tends to notice.
If you’d like a second set of eyes on what to tackle first, hit reply. I’m glad to take a look.
Susan Johnson, REALTOR®, Keller Williams