December Home Maintenance
December brings an air of festivity to our daily lives. Throughout the month, you will find people gathering with friends and family more, purchasing special treats for their loved ones, and baking fresh goodies for all. However, your home still needs a bit of attention to keep it happy.
Winter has arrived, and so too has the holiday season. Now is an important time to prep your home for the colder weather to come, as well as for the festivities to come. Frost and snow can wreak havoc on your house if it’s not prepared, so protect your investment with our tips.
Here are our suggestions of what to do for your home this December!
Check your HVAC filters monthly, and if you haven’t changed them out in a while, now is a great time to do so.
While you’re outside hooking up the Christmas lights and decorations, take a moment to check your GFCI outlets and test them to ensure they’re working; don’t forget the ones inside too!
Before you tackle all the cooking and baking of the season, clean your range hood filter and garbage disposal so they operate at their full potential.
The risk of fire increases at this time of year, so be sure to check your fire extinguishers, ensuring they’re ready for action if they are needed.
With cooler weather brings increased use of heating systems and fireplaces. Therefore, it is important to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Go around your home and check the locks and deadbolts on all of your windows and exterior doors. If any need repair or replacing, attend to that now to keep everyone in your home safe.
Pull out your emergency preparedness kit and check expiry dates and that everything is in stock. Make sure everyone in your home knows its location.
If your area gets a heavy snowfall, check for excessive build-up on the roof and clear it as necessary.
When you go into the garage to pull out the Christmas decorations and lights, inspect your garage door to ensure it’s operating correctly and lubricate it’s bearings to keep it smooth.
When decorating your home, set aside anything you haven’t used in 2 years and donate them. Many families in need can benefit from your previously loved decorations.
If you are having guests into your home over the holiday season, freshen up the guest room for them. Wash the blankets and comforters, purchase new pillows or wash the ones you have.
If you’re going away for the holidays, be safe with your home and don’t advertise you’ll be away. Arrange for someone to pick up your mail and newspapers. Set your indoor and holiday lights on timers so they go on and off every day. Have a neighbour shovel your driveway when it snows. Hire a house-sitter so a cold, snow-covered roof doesn’t give you away to predators. Never post your travel plans on social media.
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