Fall Check-up (cont)

October 20, 2010

One of the fall check-ups that homeowners could do would be to check the windows and doors for gaps and leakage of air. In older homes, it is possible that the grouting that holds steel windows in place has cracked over time. Re grouting would reseal any air gaps. Of course, the trend today is to replace old single pane windows with the new energy efficient dual pane windows. Not only does this solve the problem of air leakage, but updates the property. There have been many articles published that state that window replacement is one of the most cost effective improvements that a homeowner can do. It may even be possible to still get an energy tax credit for such an improvement.

Another check-up for this time of year is furnace filters. Replacing a dirty furnace filter can improve air flow and reduce your heating costs. This is a really simple task but often one that is forgotten.

Smoke detector batteries are another check-up item. If you replace your smoke detector batteries on a yearly basis, you will probably keep them operating as they should. Again, this is a simple task, but one that is also easy to forget.

So, take this weekend and walk around your property both inside and out.