All treats - no tricks with October home maintenance tips.

Don’t let your house scare you this month; check out our three simple recommendations below.

Checking your home for maintenance before the winter season is crucial to prevent costly repairs, ensure safety, and maintain comfort. Winter weather can be harsh, with freezing temperatures, snow, and ice posing risks such as frozen pipes, roof damage from heavy snow, and increased heating costs due to poor insulation. Early maintenance inspections allow you to identify and fix vulnerabilities like damaged roofing, drafty windows, and malfunctioning heating systems. This proactive approach helps avoid emergency repairs, preserves your home's structural integrity, and improves energy efficiency, ultimately saving money and reducing stress during the cold months.

For the month of October, we have just a few quick health check items that you can tackle (or have someone else!) in no time.

1 - Winterize your hose bib. A hose bib, also known as a spigot or outdoor faucet, is an exterior water outlet typically installed on the outside of your home. It allows you to connect a garden hose for watering plants, washing cars, or other outdoor water needs. Hose bibs are usually equipped with a valve to control the flow of water. Some models include frost-proof features to prevent freezing in cold climates. As temperatures drop, make sure your hose bib is prepared for winter. Failure to properly drain and shut off your water line to your outdoor hose bibs can lead to damaged or burst pipes, leading to costly repairs.

2 - Service HVAC. Have you ever forgotten to call your HVAC company, only to remember when it gets cold and then find out the next appointment is in two months? Yikes! So here’s your reminder… :) This important tune-up ensures the system is clean, parts are in good shape, and components are tested before they are used heavily during the winter season. Another quick and easy DIY tip for your HVAC system, is to clear away any debris like leaves and dirt, check your refrigerant levels, and inspect the coil/cabinet for dust and debris.

3 - Inspect heat exchangers and vacuum/clean furnace. Last but not least, now is the perfect time to clean your heat exchangers and furnace. Without proper cleaning, these items can begin to run inefficiently and lead to dirt and soot build up, which can create costly repairs or replacements.

Check out our Homeowner Maintenance Checklist for a full list of tips to keep your home running smoothly. And if you're looking for a reliable partner to help, we've got you covered.

You can count on Just Maintenance to be a resource for your home maintenance needs and questions. Our services include annual home maintenance plans, residential prep for sale, home consultations, and helping with your growing home irritation list.

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