Between a bevy of holidays, crisp air, and cooler weather, winter brings a myriad of pleasantries. However, it also presents a unique challenge to owners of homes in Palm Coast, Florida. Home maintenance requires some new steps to account for the wintry weather at this time of year, but you should have no problem handling it when you follow this winter maintenance checklist!
Prepare Your Pool
Unlike in other regions of the country, pools in Florida require very little maintenance to be “winterized.” However, they do still need an extra level of attention before we roll into the heart of winter. Vacuum the bottom of your pool, empty all filters, and remove any surface debris you can find. Algae can still grow in the winter, so make sure you’re doing everything you can to prevent algae growth in your pool.
Prepare Pipes for Freezing Water
According to a report from the Insurance Information Institute, frozen pipes are the second leading cause of home insurance claims in the United States. It’s not often a problem here in Florida, but some nights can get cold enough to warrant caution. Consider insulating your exposed pipes to keep them from freezing and bursting.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
You can save up to 15% on your annual heating costs by reversing the spin cycle of your ceiling fans. Don’t believe us? The science behind this is simple! Ceiling fans spinning clockwise redistribute warm air from the ceiling to other areas throughout your home, reducing the need to use your thermostat.
Clear Away Dead Foliage
Winter starts nearly immediately after the conclusion of the Atlantic hurricane season. Even if you have not experienced any significant storm activity this year, chances are that your yard and gutters have accumulated debris. Set aside some time to clear dead leaves or brush that have built up in your gutters, around your yard, or on your roof.
Replace Air Filters
Dirty HVAC filters can cause your heating and cooling system to run inefficiently and drive up your energy spending each month. Air filters should be inspected once a month and replaced at least once every three months, if not sooner. Not only will this prevent the buildup of dirt and dust, but it will also improve the air quality inside new homes in Palm Coast, Florida.
Inspect the Attic
Go up into your attic and look closely for signs of water damage, infestation, or dirty insulation. All these things can compromise your quality of life as they are, as well as lead to some more serious complications. Catching any of these issues early is important because it will prove instrumental in preventing widespread problems.
By following this simple and easy maintenance checklist, you can ensure that you and your home will be ready for a safe, healthy, and festive winter. If you’d like to know more about custom homes built by Palm Coast, Florida builders, then give Halifax Plantation a call! We are proud to work with several trusted builders from around Volusia County who all build luxurious new homes in our beautiful community.
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