We are squarely in the very middle of winter. While it may be a bit too late to get a head start on winter home maintenance, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything left to do.
Taking action now can pay big dividends in improved personal comfort and reducing damage to your home.
Smoke detectors: Test smoke-detectors using synthetic smoke in a can. The button on the smoke detector only checks the battery and the warning horn. The actual sensor must be checked with real smoke or a synthetic substitute.
We recommend canned smoke because it is safer than a candle. While you’re up there on the ladder be sure to vacuum the unit too. A dirty sensor may not detect smoke.
Keep in mind, that due to frequent failure, smoke detectors that are 10 years or older should be replaced, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Fire extinguishers: Check or replace fire extinguishers. Check the gauge on every fire extinguisher to insure it’s fully charged (arrow pointing to the green area of the gauge).
Remove each extinguisher from its mounting bracket and turn it upside down to help prevent the dry chemicals inside from caking on the bottom over time.
If your fire extinguishers are more than a year old, consider having them inspected by a professional.
Furnace vents: Furnace vents at your home’s interior are easy to access and maintain. If your home has a forced air furnace, make sure that vents are open and unobstructed.
You can partially close vents in less frequently used rooms, but don’t close them all the way as restricted air flow can damage the system.
Also, dirty furnace filters waste energy because they force your furnace to work harder to heat your home. Your owner’s manual should explain what types of filters are best for your furnace, and how often they should be changed.
Keep in mind that a high-efficiency air filter will trap more dirt than a conventional filter and may need to be replaced more frequently to keep your furnace from overheating and being permanently damaged.
Regular maintenance can help keep a furnace, wood stove, chimney and other home heating components in top working order.
We recommend that you schedule an annual inspection by a qualified professional for each of these systems:
•Have your furnace thoroughly checked, cleaned and serviced at least once a year; twice if you have central air.
Have your wood stove and flue inspected at least once every two years. An annual service is better if you live in snow country and your wood stove is your primary source of heat.
Have your fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned for each cord of wood that you burn.
Insulation: You might consider that the inspection of insulation in attics and crawl spaces to be a warm weather project. Ironically, the best time to inspect is on cooler days when your attic isn’t sweltering.
Over time, certain types of cellulous and fiberglass insulation begins to compress in the attic and sag in the crawl space.
If insulation is compressed in the attic, simply add another layer. Sagging insulation in a crawl space may indicate a moisture problem. Try to determine the source of the problem before replacing large areas of insulation.
And, if you decide to replace the insulation yourself, make sure you follow manufacturer guidelines for personal protective equipment. If there are no signs of a leak, and the insulation is simply sagging, you can get rid of the sag and improve the effectiveness of the insulation by using baling wire or nylon netting.
For tips from James and Morris Carey, go to www.onthehouse.com or call the listener hot line, 800-737-2474, ext. 59. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 10 a.m. every Saturday.
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