WHEN IT COMES TO HOME SAFETY AND CARE, THERE SHOULDN’T BE ANY CUTTING CORNERS
Don’t: Use your fireplace before a clean sweep! Te weather is getting colder and a nice cup
of hot chocolate, your favorite book and a warm fire sounds delightful. But while you were off camping and enjoying the lake, some of your neighborhood flying friends have made a tidy home in your chimney. Te creature inhabitants, chemical build- up or debris can lead to a nasty fire hazard. Some signs that your chimney is not clean enough or needs a good scrub is loud cracking and popping noises, a lot of dense smoke and an intense, hot smell. Be sure a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep inspects and cleans your chimney annually and makes repairs as needed.
DO: Clean your gutters and the valleys on
your roof: It is amazing the amount of debris and clutter that can accumulate over time, even during the summer, in our gutters and roof valleys. At the end of summer, once the weather gets a little cooler but before the leaves start to fall, is a great time to clean your gutters. Keeping your gutters in working order will prevent clogs, draining issues and other potentially serious damages. Gutters are designed to reroute water and keep it away from your roof, siding and (most importantly) your foundation. Without clean, open gutters, you’ll most likely start finding damp spots on your ceiling, walls and in your basement as well. Roof valleys are often overlooked when it is time to clean. Dirt
and leaves that accumulate here can cause water to dam up and penetrate your roof. And where there’s dampness and moisture, there are insects! Insects and small animals love to make homes in these areas. A few sweat hours now will help avoid some scary moments later.
Don’t: Keep your thermostat lower than 55 degrees. Now this may only apply to you during long
(or short) stints away from home, but it is a crucial error made by many. In areas when temperatures can creep below comfort or times of the year where unexpected storms stomp in, this tip can make all the difference. Some homeowners will turn the heat off during an extended absence to save money on heating costs, particularly because they’re not there to enjoy it. Your water pipes need to enjoy the heat too, as water pipes freeze and expand, causing them to burst or connecting faucets to break. Don’t forget to insulate outside faucets too!
DO: Arrange for a Home Energy Audit: Also known as a home energy assessment, is an easy step
to assess how much energy your home consumes and tells you what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Tis can save you a significant amount of money over time. You can hire a home energy auditor or there are some handy online home energy assessment tricks so you can DIY (Do it Yourself).
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BY CHRISTINA Keele
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