With the holiday season in full swing — and with winter set to make its official debut — this is the time of year many homeowners start exploring ways to make their homes snug, cheery and inviting for the season.
With that in mind, this month’s home to-do list contains both holiday and cold-related items that can make the holidays brighter and safer, and make your home cozy and welcoming for both your family and your guests.
December To-Dos:
Use caution in hanging holiday lights and decorations
Everyone loves a bright, festive holiday display. But bringing it to life and powering it require caution. Even if you’re in a hurry, proper ladder use is a must (ladder-related accidents send over 200,000 people to emergency rooms annually). And take care not to overload electrical outlets, which can trip circuits and, in extreme cases, cause fires. Every year, clients ask Get Dwell to assist them in hanging holiday decorations. If you need help, don’t hesitate to let us know.
Have your chimney inspected
The advent of “fireplace season” make this the perfect time to have your chimney looked at by a qualified professional. Get Dwell recommends individuals or businesses certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. If you need a recommendation, give us a call.
Inspect and clean gutters
As average daily temperatures plummet downward, early December is your last chance to ensure your gutters are clean and in good repair. Clogged or leaky gutters can cause considerable damage as a result of winter snows.
Check your furnace
Change filters, adjust your humidifier and check dampers and registers to be sure your heating
system is working at peak efficiency when you need it most. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a yearly professional inspection of furnaces and all other fuel-burning appliances.
Insulate attics and crawl spaces
If you’ve been thinking of making energy-saving improvements to your home, why wait? Insulating and weatherizing your home now can ensure you’re running at peak efficiency when frigid temperatures arrive, and you might qualify for a $1,500 2009-2010 tax break through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Get Dwell can tell you what products and upgrades apply.
Have a question? Need help getting your home ready for the holidays? Call Get Dwell. We’re here anytime you need us. Our best wishes for a safe and happy season.