Miguel Avila, Realtor©
ABR©, CRS©, GRI, e-Pro©
(571) 233-0581 mobile
email:
Licensed in Virginia, Maryland & DC
ABR©, CRS©, GRI, e-Pro©
(571) 233-0581 mobile
email:
Licensed in Virginia, Maryland & DC
-
Checking for disconnected or crushed ductwork & repair as needed
Seal duct leaks and insulate ducts to reduce energy loss
Schedule a professional carpet cleaning
General furnace inspection: look for rust, scaling on heat exchanger, proper flame color, note odd sounds or smells and check condition of venting
Examine pressure-temperature relief valve for leaking, and test, if desired
Open furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning and clean humidifier
Remove the grilles on forced air systems and vacuum inside the ducts
If the heat recovery ventilator has been shut off for the summer, clean the filters and the core, and pour water down the condensate drain to test it
Examine the forced air furnace fan belt for wear, looseness or noise; clean fan blades of any dirt buildup (after disconnecting the electricity to the motor first)
Turn ON gas furnace pilot light
Lubricate circulating pump on hot water heating system
Vacuum heating registers, vents, ducts, radiators, electric baseboard heaters to remove dust
Bleed air from hot water radiators
Hiring a professional HVAC technician to inspect your home's heating systems for proper functioning prior to the season of use
Check hot water system water level (pressure)
Check & vacuum smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms and replace batteries
Clean portable humidifier, if one is used
Check the caulking for exterior windows and doors
Inspect and clean (if needed) storm window weep holes
Replace window screens with storm windows
Ensure windows and skylights close tightly
Remove screens from the inside of casement windows to allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off window glass
-
Ensure all doors to the outside shut tightly, and check other doors for ease of use
Renew door weatherstripping if required
Check screws on door lock sets and hardware, tighten up if needed
Clean around air conditioning units & cover until spring
Check sump pump and line to ensure proper operation, and to ascertain that there are no line obstructions or visible leaks
Remove, clean, and store summertime screens
Inspect and replace (if needed) weather stripping
Examine flashing around chimneys, vents, and roof edges
Inspect fireplace flues for "glassy" creosote buildup and have flues cleaned regularly
Call a professional chimney sweep if necessary
Check chimneys for obstructions such as nests
Check the chimney cap and the caulking between the cap and the chimney
Inspect fireplace firebrick and mortar for cracks and deterioration & patch small cracks
Check roof for damaged or missing shingles or problems with flashing
Check gutters, downspouts, and roof penetrations for leaks
Drain and store outdoor hoses & shut-off valve to exterior faucet, unless have frost proof hose bibs
Clean out basement window wells
Check and repair caulk (if needed) around exterior surfaces & foundation
Clean gaps between deck boards above joists
Clean out under decks and porches
Scrape peeling paint, and apply touch up paint to your siding, trim, and fences
Check the condition of your deck and apply a waterproofing sealer if necessary
Install storm windows and doors
Repair and paint fences as necessary
Locate your winter tools: snow shovel, plows, and snow blowers
If you have a septic tank, measure the sludge and scum to determine if the tank needs to be emptied before the spring. Tanks should be pumped out at least once every three years
Winterize landscaping, for example, store outdoor furniture, prepare gardens and, if necessary, protect young trees or bushes for winter
Have well water tested every 6 months for quality & bacteria
Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall, so that water does not drain into your basement
Blow out sprinkler systems and winterize or insulate exterior faucets and water lines
Fertilize and reseed your lawn
Trim any trees or shrubs that touch house & prune others
Remove annuals & cut back perennials