With the winter season fast approaching, now is the time to take
a closer look at all of those home maintenance projects that are on
your "to-do" list. A little bit of preventative maintenance now
will give you peace of mind all season long and may end up saving
you money down the road. As they say, "An ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure."
The most recommended winter checklist items include:
- Having your furnace properly serviced. Replace filters
and clean out any dust and debris that has accumulated over the
past year.
- Removing window air conditioners and checking storm windows for
needed maintenance. Just a small opening in a window area can
result in significant energy and heat loss.
- Clearing gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris to
help prevent water backup, ice dams and dangerous ice patches from
forming below.
- Repairing or replacing damaged roofing and siding to help
prevent water infiltration. Water is the most common cause of
structural damage to home; it also is a prime contributor to the
growth of unhealthy mold.
- Check your water heater for any leakage. You don't want
any interruptions in your supply of hot water through the cold
months ahead.
Completing these maintenance tasks now will help to keep you and
your home safe and warm all season long. For helpful advice on
these or any other maintenance projects on your "to-do" list, give
us a ring at (773) 769-9000 or email Brian at brian.holmertz@cmsschicago.org.