November Monthly Maintenance: Be Ready for the Holidays and the Cold

As the temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, November is a great time to get your home ready for winter weather and all the cozy gatherings ahead. A few simple maintenance tasks now can help you avoid headaches later and keep things running smoothly through the colder months.

Here are a few things to check off your list this month:

• Check your fire extinguisher’s expiration date – Make sure it’s still in good working order before all the holiday cooking begins.
• Inspect your attic for pests – Critters like to find warm places to stay once it gets cold, so take a peek and make sure your attic is pest-free before winter sets in.
• Clean your gutters – Most of the leaves should be on the ground sometime this month, making it the perfect time to give your gutters one final clean before winter. Check for any damage or loose connections while you’re up there.
• Look under sinks and around toilets for slow leaks – Catching small leaks early can prevent bigger problems later.
• Inspect weatherstripping around exterior doors – Replace any that’s worn out to help keep the cold air out and your energy bills down.
• Check insulation under sinks on exterior walls – Make sure pipes are properly insulated to help prevent freezing when temperatures dip.

Taking a little time this month to button things up around the house can help you stay warm, safe, and stress-free all season long, so you can focus on enjoying friends, family and the holiday season!