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5 Fall Maintenance Tips
It would be amazing if all you needed to prep your home for fall was hang a wreath and light a bunch of pumpkin spice candles. While yes, those are a crucial part of getting ready for the change of seasons, there are more important (and not exactly fun) preparations that come with being a homeowner. Consider this everything you need to know before your house transitions from hot summer days to cool fall nights…and eventually freezing temperatures.
1. Clean, or possibly replace, your gutters.
You’re so used to your gutters working properly — and draining thousands of gallons of water from your roof yearly — that you forget they could use a little TLC. If they’re clogged, you can end up with a flooded interior and damaged exterior. So clean them!
2. Check for drafts.
Heat loss through windows is responsible for 25-30 percent of heating energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. But it doesn’t have to be that way, because weatherstripping is simple and probably the most cost-effective way to keep heating costs down.
Pro tip: To check if you have a draft issue, close a door or window on a strip of paper. If the paper slides easily, you need to update your weatherstripping.
3. Drain your outdoor faucets.
Say it with me now: “I will turn off all outdoor faucets before winter!” Drain and disconnect all garden hoses from outside spigots to prevent any water freezing. Not doing this can result to pipes bursting.
4. Change your filters.
Another thing in your house that might be costing you more money then it should be. If your filters are clogged, it’s harder to keep your home at the temperature you want it too be which will increase your heating bills. Clean these filters monthly, not just before the fall, and thank me later. FYI: Disposable filters can be vacuumed one time before you replace it, and foam filters can just be vacuumed and not replaced.
5. Change your batteries.
Once a year you should be checking to make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices are working. Since you’re already testing everything else out, you might as well add this on.
Handling Hazardous Materials at Home
Many common household products contain chemicals that can cause injury or death if they are not handled, stored, or used properly.
Some of the household products that contain hazardous chemicals are oven cleaners, tile cleaners, toilet-bowl cleaners, liquid drain openers, antifreeze, chrome-wheel cleaners, rust removers, gasoline, motor oil, lead paint, turpentine, lacquer thinner, and muriatic acid.
These safety precautions can help keep you and your family safe.
Safety musts
Follow these safety precautions:
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Carefully read the ingredient list of any product or chemical you use. The label can also tell you how to use the proper protective equipment, how to handle the chemicals, and how to respond to emergencies. The label will tell you if the substance is flammable, corrosive, or may cause cancer. It will also state whether you should use eye protection, gloves, or other equipment.
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Purchase the proper personal protective equipment like gloves or goggles. Clean and care for them properly.
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Be aware of the hazardous materials you come in contact with. Learn about the specific characteristics and dangers.
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Follow safe procedures when you handle hazardous material. Don’t take shortcuts.
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Handle, store, and get rid of hazardous materials safely and according to approved procedures. Never pour them down sewers or drains.
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Don’t mix or combine hazardous materials unless you know you can do so safely. Many products can cause violent reactions or release poisonous fumes when combined.
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Transferring flammable liquids like gasoline, from one container to another can make static electricity that could ignite the fumes.
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Always carry chemicals in approved containers.
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Always wash your hands after using any unsafe material.
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Store materials properly, as directed on their labels. Flammable chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight. Some chemicals like acids must be stored separately from each other.
Do you have hazardous materials to dispose of? Check out the upcoming events from Rivanna Solid Waste Authority below. For more information visit https://www.rivanna.org/hhw/.
