After all the fall clean up, it’s time for a rest. WRONG! This season can be the most harsh on your property. So, before the holidays, let’s check a few things around the house to prevent bigger problems from messing up you holiday spirits.

It’s a good idea to check the attic for pipe insulation that was missed, or that has come loose since last winter. All water lines need to be protected, including hot water lines. If you have gable vents in addition to soffit, ridge or turbines, consider closing the gable vents to prevent a cross draft in you attic. The other vents in your attic need to be left open to prevent moisture from building up.

Check your water heater “temperature, pressure relief valve" (T & P) to make sure it’s operational and look for moisture in the pan below the water heater. Also, remove any debris that may be in the pan. This will prevent the emergency drain line from getting clogged if your water heater should start leaking for any reason.

Your heating system was checked in the Fall, right? So it should be ready to condition the air appropriately. Look up at the vent stack on gas appliances in the attic. i.e. furnaces, water heaters etc. Make sure that the vent pipe is centered in the roof opening, and has at least a 1” clearance from any combustible material.

Check around window and door openings to see if the weather stripping, caulking or seals are preventing heat loss. Remember, heat rises, so check around the attic stairs and the ceiling vents for proper fit.

Insulate exterior water lines and consider installing some type of insulating cover over the exterior hose bibs when not in use. Consider shutting the water off, at the main cut off valve, if you are leaving for the holidays. Remember to drain the water from the system to prevent freezing.

Water and cover sensitive plants before a hard freeze to help prevent plant loss. Also, check your escrow account that was set up when you financed your mortgage, if you have one, to see if you have a surplus. If so, be sure to request a refund, or reduced payment.