Minnesota winters are hard on houses. An afternoon of small jobs this fall can save you trouble later. Here is the checklist we would run through at our own homes.
1. Clean your bathroom exhaust fan
Winter moisture has nowhere to go if the fan is clogged. Take off the cover, vacuum out the dust, and make sure air is moving.
2. Check weatherstripping and caulk
Look around doors and windows for gaps or cracked seals. Also check the caulk where your tub, shower and sinks meet the wall. Cracked caulk lets water get behind the tile, where you can’t see the damage until it’s serious.
3. Replace your furnace filter
A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder. Replace it before the heating season starts, then check it regularly through the winter.
4. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1, which makes an easy reminder to test them and replace the batteries. Your local fire department can tell you what is required for your home.
5. Disconnect hoses and shut off outdoor faucets
Unhook hoses from outdoor spigots. If your house has a shut-off valve inside for the outdoor faucet, close it and drain the line so it can’t freeze and split.
6. Clean your dryer vent
Lint in the vent is a fire hazard and makes the dryer work harder. Clean out the lint trap and the vent line.
7. Test your sump pump
Pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should start, empty the water and shut off. Also check that the discharge line is clear and drains away from the house.
8. Look over your basement
Check for damp spots, musty smells or water stains, especially near the walls and floor drains. Small signs now are easier to deal with than a wet basement in spring.
When it’s more than a to-do list
If you find a soft spot around a tub, a persistent leak, or moisture in your basement, that is more than a do-it-yourself job. Call us at (651) 238-6751.
These are general homeowner tips, not professional or code advice. Follow manufacturer instructions and your local requirements.