December Home Checklist

Although winter doesn’t officially arrive until later this month, homeowners have already dealt with a couple of major snow and wind events. Take time this month to ensure your home is snug and comfortable for whatever winter has to throw at it. Here are a few tips to make hibernation a little cosier this winter, while saving a bit of money on your energy bills:

• Air-tight homes save energy, but are also prone to reduced air quality. Consider the air quality in your home when maintaining your heating system: changing or cleaning the filters on your furnace and humidifier every month during the heating season will help improve the quality of the air your family breathes.
• Reducing drafts will make your home more comfortable this winter. Seal up the leaks with weather-stripping and caulking. To check for drafts, hold a lighted candle or a stick of incense near areas like door and window frames, electrical outlets and recessed lighting, and watch for telltale flickers indicating air leaks.
• There is still time to take care of last-minute decoration projects, carpet cleaning, duct cleaning, or even have a gas fireplace installed, provided you book this week.
• If you have ceiling fans, use them to make rooms more comfortable this winter by reversing the blade direction. When the fan blades turn clockwise, it forces the warm air downwards.
• Make sure heating ducts and cold air returns are unobstructed by furniture to allow warm air to circulate efficiently. Installing vent covers can also help direct air flow.
• Install a humidifier to put moisture back into the air and prevent sore throats and headaches caused by dry air.
• Stock up on firewood this month, and have plenty of ice melter compound on hand to make walkways safe for holiday visitors.

Courtesy: Homeservice Club