The month of December is a very busy time for most Houstonians. The weather is great with the temperature that ranges between 48°F (9°C) and 63°F (17°C) – the perfect time to explore and visit your family or friends in Houston. But before you get caught up with all your planned events this coming weekend, be sure to dedicate some time for your home. We have created a handy checklist of important home maintenance to-do’s to help keep the season bright, as well as avoid future hassles and costly home repairs.
‘Tis the Season to get Organized
Check off these December to-dos for a less hectic, more harmonious holiday season
To-Do #1 – Test Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Houston homes and most homes on the market today are equipped with fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. However, most homeowners often forget to test these critical safety systems to make sure they work. Most detectors have an easily accessible test button on the face of the device so make sure to test your device before it gets pretty busy in the kitchen this coming holiday season. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that testing of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be done by consumers every month to ensure they are properly working. And if you don’t have a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, be sure to get one.
To-Do #2: Replace Furnace Air Filter
The furnace is the heating component of your central air system and the furnace filter helps to clean it. Checking your furnace filter and replacing it regularly (not just when it gets dirty) will ensure that your home will get better heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. While every home is unique, filtration experts recommend replacing furnace filters at least once every 90 days. Doing so will ensure that you’re maintaining a healthy central air system in your home.
To-Do #3: Check Attic Insulation
If you haven’t checked your attic in a while, perhaps now is the time to go check it out. A quick visual inspection will allow you to identify if you have enough insulation, as well as check for mold, water leaks, structural damage, or signs of pests. If your existing insulation is torn, water-damaged or moldy, it will need to be removed and replaced. But if your home doesn’t have attic insulation, the easiest and fastest way to do the job is to just call a professional installer.
If you want to know how much installation you should install, here’s a map from Insulation Institute showing the thermal recommended levels of insulation for various climate zones.
To-Do #4: Insulate Exposed Water Pipes
Returning home from a winter vacation only to be greeted by a frozen or burst pipe is a very unpleasant winter surprise. That’s why insulating water pipes in exposed areas of your is a key element to any efforts to reduce the chance of freezing and ultimately to winterize the plumbing in your home. If it freezes where you live and you’re going away for a short winter vacation, make sure to shut off the water supply to your outdoor faucets and disconnect drained hoses. Moreover, check exposed water pipes in your attic and basement especially those that bring water in, and choose the right type of insulation to use.
To-Do #5: Update your Winter Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is definitely essential for your home, so make sure you have one in your home and another one in your car. Early winter weather predictions might say that it’s going to be warmer, but it’s better to be prepared to face the worst-case scenario. For your basic emergency kit, keep these things – flashlights with extra batteries, a hand-crank radio, a cell phone charger, bottled water, food, blankets, snow brush, shovel, gloves, and a first-aid kit.
Let’s get your home ready for the Holidays
You might have put up your holiday decors already, spruced up your entryway, prepared the guest room, and checked the essentials – heating, air conditioning, insulation, carbon monoxide, and smoke detectors, and emergency kit. So, what’s next? While the holidays can quickly become overwhelming and stressful, don’t forget to take the time out to set some intentions and plan for meaningful activities for your holiday season. Yes, it’s going to be busy but you can simplify your holiday traditions for a simpler, stress-free holiday season
What’s on your to-do list this December? Tell us in the comments.
About ApexPro Real Estate
ApexPro Real Estate Group is a full-service real estate brokerage specializing in single-family and attached residential properties throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. We are a privately-held small business that brings together top agents, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled service to help clients throughout Houston to buy and sell real estate — and enjoy themselves every step along the way. Our client reviews exhibit our dedication to helping our clients extends beyond the closing table and we would love to earn your business.