As colder weather approaches you can take a few key steps to ensure your home serves you well through the coming months. Please take time to check these items in and around your home and attend to any that need maintenance.

□  Clean and test smoke alarms.
□  Test and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) breakers.
□  Change or clean the furnace filter monthly.
□  Operate the heating system.
□  Adjust registers and confirm that cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies.
□  Clean the humidifier in accordance with Ultimate Heating and Air.
□  Adjust or replace weather stripping on exterior doors as needed.
□  Check the fit of exterior doors; thresholds are adjustable–use a quarter to turn the screws.
□  Check caulking, inside and out, and touch up.
□  Drain your sprinkler system.
□  Remove hoses from exterior faucets. “Freeze proof faucets will suffer a broken water line if the water in the hose freezes and expands into the pipe.
□  Inspect chimney for nests.
□  Review safe fireplace operation. Provide professional cleaning at regular intervals.
□  Check garage overhead door, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil. Have other repairs done by professionals.
□  Clean gutters, check downspouts; confirm that splash blocks drain away from the house.
□  Check foundation, concrete, and yard for settling; fill in as needed for positive drainage.
□  After snowfall, brush snow off gutters and away from downspouts and remove snow from eaves, to reduce chance of ice damming.
□  Remove ice and snow from concrete as soon as possible; avoid using de-icing agents with damaging salts.
□  On pleasant days, open windows to allow house to breathe.
□  Decorate safely for the holidays. Do not overload circuits or use worn extension cords.