Hello, St. Tammany Parish! October has arrived (already), and it’s the perfect time to start prepping your home for the cooler months ahead. Whether you’re in Mandeville, Covington, or anywhere else in Louisiana or the Gulf South, these simple maintenance tips will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your home running smoothly.
1. Give Your Heating System Some Attention
As temperatures drop, you’ll likely be switching from A/C to heating. But before you fire up your heater, it’s important to check that your HVAC system is ready. After sitting idle for months, dust, allergens, and debris can build up inside your system, and when you turn on the heat, that stuff gets circulated through your home’s air and in some rare case can even cause a fire. This can a real hazard, at minimum it can affect indoor air quality and increase energy usage.
To avoid these issues, replace or clean your HVAC filters before turning on your heat. A clean filter ensures that your system runs efficiently, which can also lower your energy bills. If you want to take extra precautions, consider scheduling a professional HVAC inspection to catch any potential problems early, visit our Main Paige to call us if you’re not sure where to start.
2. Check for Drafts Around Doors and Windows
Cold air seeping into your home through gaps around windows and doors is another common issue during fall and winter. These drafts force your heating system to work harder, which can lead to higher energy costs. Sealing up these gaps with weatherstripping, caulk, or new seals can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. Another common problem with failed caulking or weather stripping is; it can lead to moisture ingress, that can lead to mold and rot and provides a prime nesting ground for termites.
If you’re not sure where the drafts are coming from, try running your hand along the edge of doors and windows to feel for cold air. Addressing these drafts not only helps your home stay warm but can also prevent moisture-related problems that could lead to water damage.
If caulking or replaicing weather stripping isn’t in your list of skills, your go-to handyperson service should be able to help with this.
3. Look for Plumbing and Water Issues
In Louisiana, sudden cold snaps can cause unexpected problems with your plumbing. It’s a good idea to inspect outdoor faucets and pipes, especially if they’re exposed. Be sure to turn off and drain any outdoor water systems, like irrigation systems, before the temperatures dip too low. Did you know a quality Pressure Vancuum Breaker, also known as a Vacumm Breaker (that funny looking brass thingy with a hat near your main water inlet valve on your house), costs around $190 plus about $250 for labor to replace? This is a common failure point if the temperature falls below 32f. If you notice any leaks or water damage in or around your home, get ahead of it now with a handymperson or plumber that offers remediation service to avoid costly repairs later.
If you’re unsure about how to handle these tasks, reach out to a local plumber or handyperson service for assistance. At Edge Handyman Services, we can handle everything from sealing drafts and checking your heating system to plumbing repairs and renovations. Whether you need a quick fix or more extensive winter preparations, we’re here to help.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare your home for the colder weather. A few simple maintenance tasks can save you time, money, and headaches down the line. Whether you’re in Mandeville, Covington, or elsewhere in Louisiana, Edge Handyman Services has got your back.