• Thoroughly check your heating system. The last thing you need during a long, cold winter is for your heat pump to fail.
• Get your heating system inspected and cleaned by a professional.
• Make sure there are no floor-length curtains or furniture covering air vents in the floor or blocking airflow. This is inefficient at best, and when the heat is on, it can be dangerous. Furniture and drapes placed over heating vents can sometimes catch fire.
• Refer to your system’s maintenance guide for any specific recommendations or requirements from the manufacturer.
• Take your heating system for a test run. You’ll only need to run it for about 30 minutes – just long enough to listen for any unusual noises and look for any leaks.
• Check the plumbing system. Again, you want to be sure everything is working properly before the cold weather arrives.
• Certain pipes are more susceptible to freezing, including those near an outside wall or in areas of your home that are not heated, such as a basement. Be sure to insulate these pipes and exposed plumbing fixtures.
• To keep the outdoor and crawl space pipes from freezing, wrap them with electric heat tape or insulation.
• Locate the master shutoff valve and ensure everyone in the house knows where it is in case a pipe bursts and you need to turn off the water for the whole house. This location varies from home to home, but is typically located where the water service line enters your home. Also, turn water main valve on and off so hard water doesn’t solidify.
• If you are on public water and have a meter box, be sure to keep it covered with its lid it doesn’t freeze.
• Check to ensure that exterior exhaust ducts are clear of dirt, debris, pests or other blockages.
• Clean garbage disposal blades by grinding up some small ice cubes.
• Clean ovens and ranges (as needed).
• Shut off the water supply to humidifiers during the summer months.
• Check the circuits in your electrical system by turning them off and then back on.
• Check for drips and other leaks from plumbing fixtures by inspecting areas around and below all faucets and fixtures.
• Check weatherproofing around windows, doors and the roof for any leaks or cracks. Check the caulking, weather stripping and finishes for cracking or deterioration. Clean the window wells.
• Check the toilets. Make sure they are properly secured to the floor and listen for leaks or continuous running. Check grouting for cracks.
• Test sump pumps. Be sure the valve and floor drains are working properly.
• Test the water heater using the test lever on the pressure relief valve.
• Check home exterior for signs of pest infestation. Rodents, bats, termites and roaches can show up any time of year, but summer is an especially optimal time for them to move in or near your home. If you see anything suspicious, put down traps or call an exterminator immediately.