Homeowners are running out of daylight when it comes to getting their property ready for Old Man Winter. Rather than putting off the annual chore list, smart homeowners (well, those who live in cold weather states) should realize that even some of the easiest chores can save you big dollars on your energy bills.
Heating experts say as many as 80 percent of the emergency calls they get result from improper maintenance. Guess which costs more: an annual check-up or a middle of a blizzard emergency call. Some of the chores you can do yourself; others will likely require more specialized help.
Before you decide to rely on the news that heating costs are supposed to be lower this year, you can still save by doing a few simple things that will help you keep even that lower cost heat inside. When your chore requires a professional, do yourself a favor and check the company out before you hire. Ask friends and family, check sites like Angie’s List (www.angieslist.com), and if a license is required for the work, don’t hire anyone who can’t prove he or she actually holds the required license.
Here’s your fall chore list.
Call a reliable professional to:
- Have a look at your heating system and address any issues you have. Call now now to beat the rush and to avoid a serious (and probably more expensive) breakdown later.
- Have a look at your pipes and water lines if you suspect a leak or clog. Better to do it before the big freeze.
- Check out your chimney. Creosote build-up can lead to a chimney fire. You may also get tips on how to prevent your warm air from slipping up and away.
- Inspect your vehicle(s). A break down in good weather is a nuisance. In cold weather, it’s downright awful. Schedule a maintenance check with your mechanic so it will be in good working order to endure the long winter months.
Chores you might be able to do yourself, but maybe shouldn’t:
- Installing insulation. You can save a lot on your energy bill by having the proper amount of insulation. If you can easily and safely access your attic and are able to get the stuff up with you, have at it. A reliable pro knows what amount of insulation your climate requires and will already have all the tools and skill to do it easily. Plus, if you hire it done, you won’t throw your back out getting up and down.
- Checking/cleaning your gutters. Gutter blockages can cause serious roof damage. Falling off a ladder can cause serious people damage, and about 136,000 people will end up in the E.R. this year from ladder-related injuries. A professional will have the right ladder and equipment and know all the tricks to getting this job done well and fast.
- Raking up the leaves: Fallen leaves will deprive your grass of crucial sunlight during the fall months. Leaves can also accumulate and get wet, leading to mold growth and a breeding ground for pests. Raking can be hard on a body, and all that bending and filling bags can put you on the couch pretty fast. There’s no shame in hiring for this seasonal chore.
Chores you can probably do yourself:
- Check and replace furnace filters. Efficient operation distributes heat better and cuts your energy costs. Plus, it’s an inexpensive and easy task. It’s good to check the filters every month, say, right after your heat bill comes.
- Protect your pipes. Wrap your pipes with insulation designed for plumbing. In many situations, insulation will be all you need to protect your pipes.
- Improve water heater efficiency. Drain the a quart of water from your water heater tank every quarter. It could improve the unit’s efficiency by 50 percent because you’ll remove sediment build up from the holding tank. It’s easier than it sounds.
- Find and fix air leaks. Walk through your home with a lit stick of incense or a candle to detect any air drafts. The drafts will pull smoke, making it easier to determine where the cold air is seeping in. Caulk, seal and weather-strip where drafts are detected.
- Prepare your vehicles for winter: If you haven’t packed your trunk with an emergency kit, now is the time. If you have a lot of snow in your area, toss in a shovel. You may never need it, but if you do, you’ll be happy that you have it.
