December Home Maintenance and Safety Tasks
Thankfully, Southeast Florida homeowners get to enjoy mild winter weather. Unlike some of the colder parts of the country that must prepare for harsh winter weather, we simply need to stay on top of typical home maintenance tasks.
December is a good time to focus on home safety and chores you might not want to tackle during the hottest months. Especially with the holiday season and more time spent at home, you want to keep your home looking and operating its best.
Home Safety Tips for December
Keep your home, family and guests safe by following smart holiday safety tips.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With holiday decorations inside and out, ensure your smoke detectors are operating correctly.
Use the Best Holiday Lights
LED lights are not only energy efficient, they also give off less heat than traditional holiday lights.
Don’t Overload Outlets
Balance out the amount of lights and holiday décor that plugs into one outlet. Also, use surge strips for added protection.
Add a Doorbell Camera
With more package delivery and the risks of a higher volume of break-ins around the holidays, adding a doorbell camera gives an extra level of safety.
Practice Ladder Safety
If you plan to climb up on the roof to hang lights or even just use a ladder to hang the star on the top of the tree, remember to practice basic ladder safety to avoid falls.
December Home Maintenance Tips
After a fall filled with hurricanes and more time at home, both the interior and exterior of our homes need attention this December.
Change Air Filters
For maximum energy efficiency and air quality change the HVAC air filter monthly.
Replace Outdoor Light Bulbs
December has the shortest days of the year, making outdoors lights a necessity. Check outdoor bulbs and change any that are missing or burned out.
Inspect and Repair Siding
During the fall storm season, siding can take a beating. Check siding for damage to avoid water seeping under the siding which can lead to rot and mold growth.
Clean Up the Yard
Take advantage of the cooler temperatures to enhance your curb appeal. Trim branches and shrubs, clean up yard debris and update annual plants.
Organize Storage and Utility Areas
Clear out clutter before the new year. Throw out broken or unwanted items and reorganize your storage spaces. For utility areas with HVAC units or hot water heaters, leave space between the units and boxes or other stored objects.
Clean Outdoor HVAC Unit
A clean HVAC unit runs more efficiently. The outside portion of the unit builds up dirt, dust and debris. Use a hose to wash away dirt after removing the debris. Then, use a fin comb to straighten bent fins on the air conditioning unit.
End the Year with Good Home Maintenance
Don’t wait to make home maintenance projects your New Year’s resolution. Instead, start now on your home maintenance list. Plus, it’s smart to focus on home safety ahead of the holidays.
At Kenco Home Inspections, we understand the importance of regular home maintenance to keep your home ready for an inspection.
Contact us to schedule a home inspection this December!