Homeownership comes with its share of routine seasonal tasks and chores. But keeping track of what needs to be done — and when — can be a challenge. To help homeowners stay on top of their maintenance projects, home improvement retailer Lowe’s offers easy-to-follow checklists for each season of the year and covers both inside and outside chores. Get your home ready for fall and winter with these tasks:
Indoor Tasks:
* When you turn clocks back, change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
*Install weatherstripping where needed around the windows.
*Have the furnace professionally inspected.
*If needed, set traps for rodents.
*Dust blinds and vacuum curtains throughout the house.
*Clean kitchen and bathroom cabinets and throw away outdated food, medicine and cosmetics.
*Change or clean furnace filters. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how frequently the filters should be replaced.
*Clean kitchen appliances inside and out, including refrigerator coils.
*Maintain clean drains by adding one-half cup of baking soda followed by one-half cup white vinegar. After 10 minutes, flush with boiling water.
Outdoor Tasks:
*Clean gutters and downspouts.
*Inspect the roof and chimney for cracks and damage, and have them repaired.
*Rake and shred leaves to use as mulch or dispose of them.
*Close or install storm windows.
*Remove hoses from spigots and drain, and store indoors, coiled and flat.
*Store outdoor furniture and cushions.
*Walk around the house to check for open crawl space vents and close them before cooler temperatures set in.
*Cover your central air conditioning unit, and remove and store window air conditioners.
*Clean and store garden tools.
CRS “Your Home” Newsletter – September/October 2014
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