Tag: Home maintenance

A few years ago, an unnamed, first-time homeowner member of the Hometap team didn’t realize this important task needed to be done and, come winter, had a burst pipe in the basement when the pipe’s residual water froze and expanded. Hours of cleaning and a hefty plumbing repair bill later, they’ve never made that mistake again! With burst pipe repair costs ranging from $500 to $3,800, taking an hour or so to drain your exterior pipes this weekend will grant you peace of mind and save you money once freezing conditions settle in.

What You’ll Need

The Basics

•  Gloves
•  Bucket

What to Do

Turn off the water supply and drain all residual water in pipes connected to outdoor faucets.

How to Do It

Identify each faucet around the exterior of your property and remove attached garden hoses (as applicable). Drain remaining water from hoses, then roll them and store away for the winter. Choose a faucet to address first (if you have more than one) and make sure it’s in the off position.

Locate the water supply valves to each exterior faucet and shut them off. (They’re typically found on or near the basement ceiling or next to the main water supply valve.) Once the water supply has been shut off, go back outside to the exterior faucets. Place a bucket under each and turn the faucets on to drain any residual water. Once excess water has been drained and collected, dump the bucket. Leave the faucet in the on position.

Go back inside with your bucket to the interior pipe’s water supply valve and locate the bleeder cap. Holding the bucket underneath the valve, unscrew the bleeder cap to drain the remaining water out of the pipe. Once all water has been drained, replace the bleeder cap and fasten tightly. Go back outside to drain the bucket and turn the faucet off.

Repeat this process with each exterior faucet around your property.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this post are for informational purposes only. To determine the best financing for your personal circumstances and goals, consult with a licensed advisor.

Last updated November 22, 2021 

Heating bills can be expensive, so the more you can do to keep your heat inside (and not escaping through drafty windows), the more budget-friendly (and energy-efficient) your home will be. Many DIY solutions cost $10 or less at your local hardware store, so spending a little pocket money and taking a few hours to plug up those drafts could save you hundreds once winter storms start raging.

What You’ll Need

The Basics

• Scrub brush
• Cleaning solution (e.g., dishwashing soap)
• Weatherstripping product of your choice
• Draft snake
• Curtains

The Works

• Caulk
• Rope caulk
• Plastic shrink film
• Adhesive (e.g., double-sided tape)
• Hair dryer
• Insulated curtains

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How to Do It

Locate which windows are drafty, examine their problem spots (e.g., cracks, gaps, etc.), then decide which type of seal and/or insulation (caulk, weatherstripping, plastic shrink film, draft snake, etc.) would work best.

Winterizing Windows: Outside

Caulk

Scrape off any old caulk or peeling paint from the window frame, then clean off the frame with soapy water and a scrub brush. Wipe dry. Using exterior-grade caulk, apply a new, continuous line of caulk between the window frame and your home’s siding, ensuring there are no gaps.

Rope Caulk

Pull off the amount you need, then mold the rope to fit into the drafty area or window frame gaps. Press to seal.

Winterizing Windows: Inside

Draft Snakes

Purchase draft snakes (e.g., fabric tubes filled with cedar chips or similar material that block drafts) or make your own. Place on drafty window sills.

Foam Weatherstripping

Clean your window sashes to remove all dirt and grime. For double-hung windows, cut adhesive-backed foam weatherstripping to fit the size of your sashes, then apply to the bottom edge of the lower sash and the top edge of the upper sash. Alternatively, you can place weatherstripping on the sill directly below the lower sash and the head jamb over the upper sash. Close the window to seal and lock it. On casement or sliding windows, place the weatherstripping vertically along the side jamb or on the sash’s vertical edge.

Insulated Curtains

Measure your window sizes and purchase appropriately sized draft-blocking curtains. You can select regular curtains with heavy fabrics, layer up multiple thinner curtains, or go for specially designed insulating curtains constructed from thermal materials. Hang with a rod that supports the extra weight.

Plastic Shrink Film

Place over window and seal with double-sided tape. Heat with a hair dryer until sheeting has shrunk to fit and is taut over the window frame, sealing out any cold air.

Rubber Weatherstripping

Cut to fit your particular window, then peel off adhesive strip and cover the frame to seal any drafts.

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YOU SHOULD KNOW…

We do our best to make sure that the information in this post is as accurate as possible as of the date it is published, but things change quickly sometimes. Hometap does not endorse or monitor any linked websites. Individual situations differ, so consult your own finance, tax or legal professional to determine what makes sense for you.

Protecting your garden against winter weather preserves your landscaping and gardens while maintaining your property’s curb appeal. Most basic preventive tasks can be covered by on-hand household items, but even if you do have to take a trip to the store, your costs will be minimal. For example, tree wrap costs less than $10 for a 50-foot roll; wire netting can run between $10 and $100, depending on how much you need. With a little prep work this autumn, you can keep your garden gorgeous!

What to Do

Protect your lawn, garden, and landscaping in advance of cold temperatures and wet weather.

What You’ll Need

The Basics

•  Gardening gloves
•  Rake
•  Shovel or trowel
•  Lawn mower
•  Garden hose
•  Burlap
•  Lawn disposal bags or compost unit
•  Grass seed
•  Fertilizer
•  Mulch

The Works

•  Lawn aerator or aerator shoes
•  Tree wrap
•  Wire netting

How to Do It

If you live in a region where winters are harsh, you’ll want to take steps this fall to prep and safeguard your outdoor plants, lawn, trees, and shrubbery against freezing temperatures and inclement weather.

First, clean up the yard, including raking all leaves, mowing the grass, weeding, removing dead annuals, and disposing of any fallen fruit. If you have perennial plants, cut back those that need freshening up (flowers like peony and phlox) but leave hardier ones (like ornamental grasses and mums).

Aerate your lawn and reseed and/or fertilize problem spots as needed.

When temperatures start dropping, wrap any thin-bark tree trunks (which include redbuds, maples, and nearly all fruit trees) with tree wrap to protect the bark and insulate the trees. If you know certain shrubs or plants attract pests, surround them with wire-mesh screens or burlap to discourage nests during cold months.

After the first frost, dig up your perennial bulbs (e.g., dahlia, gladiolus) and dry the roots for a few days. Store for the winter in peat moss or sawdust in a cool, dry place. Once your bulbs are removed, add a layer of mulch around your flower beds to protect the remaining plants.

If you have a dry fall, be sure to water your gardens and lawn generously to provide adequate hydration before winter settles in.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this post are for informational purposes only. To determine the best financing for your personal circumstances and goals, consult with a licensed advisor.

Cleaning and safe storage preserve the life of your outdoor furniture so you can enjoy your patio or deck for many summers to come. Spending $10 to $20 on cleaning supplies ensures grime and pests won’t deteriorate your outdoor furniture while $100 or less can provide adequate covers to protect your furniture from precipitation and freezing temperatures. Unless you like to update the look and feel of your outdoor space regularly (which can cost thousands of dollars), this small prevention investment can keep your outdoor furniture in great shape, year in and year out.

What to Do

Clean your outdoor furniture and stow it away for winter months.

What You’ll Need

The Basics

•  Garden hose
•  Bucket
•  Sponges or scrub brushes
•  Cleaning supplies
•  Gloves
•  Dust mask
•  Tarps or furniture covers

How to Do It

Remove and launder all fabrics from outdoor furnishings (e.g., seat cushions, canopy drapery, rope hammocks). Let dry thoroughly, then fold and store in a cool, dry place.

Using a material-appropriate cleaner (e.g., oil soap for wood, bleach and water for wicker, gentle detergent for plastic), wash and rinse all outdoor furniture, then allow to dry completely. If the material is subject to cold-weather damage (e.g., wood or metal), apply a coat of rot- or rust-resistant treatment (e.g., sealant, oil, or wax).

Clear a space in a dry shelter (e.g., a shed or garage) and place furniture into the designated storage area. Cover with tarps or custom-fit furniture covers. Ensure the area around the stored outdoor furniture is inhospitable to any potential pests (e.g., lay down any traps for rodents or bugs).

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this post are for informational purposes only. To determine the best financing for your personal circumstances and goals, consult with a licensed advisor.

Making sure your air conditioning units are prepped for winter can prevent expensive replacement costs once spring and summer arrive. Replacing window units averages $275 per air conditioner while replacing your central air conditioning can range from $1,800 to $10,000. Considering tarps and cleaners can cost less than $20 combined, this preventive work is a great return on investment!

What to Do

Safeguard your air conditioning units during the winter months to boost their durability and operating life. ‍

What You’ll Need

The Basics

•  Garden hose and spray nozzle
•  Gentle cleaner (e.g., dishwashing soap or window cleaner)
•  Soft towel or sponge
•  Window-unit-sized covers (e.g., tarps, newspaper, burlap)
•  Fasteners (e.g., bungee cords)

How to Do It

For Central A/C

Turn off the power to your central A/C unit. Clean coils with a bristle brush then use a garden hose to remove accumulated dirt and debris. Wipe down hard-to-reach spots with a gentle cleaner (e.g., dishwashing soap) and a towel.

Clean the central A/C filter, which is typically found at the unit’s return air duct (located inside your home, often in the basement). Open the front grill and remove the filter then tap gently to remove accumulated dust and dirt; you can also vacuum or brush them clean if necessary. Rinse them clean and let them dry completely, then return to the unit.

Back outside, cover all exterior pipes to the central A/C unit. Your unit itself should be designed to withstand winter conditions and resist pests and doesn’t need to be covered (as this can build up condensation and damage the system or create a safe haven for animals seeking shelter). If you’re concerned about heavy storms, secure a piece of plywood to the top of the unit to protect from falling branches and the like.

For Removable Window Units

Unplug the window air conditioning unit and remove panels that hold it in place. Then remove the air conditioning unit from its window and clean out any accumulated debris such as dirt or leaves. Check for and remove any bugs and mold. If the unit is particularly dirty, clean with a garden hose or a bucket of soap and water. Allow the air conditioner to dry completely, including draining any residual water from the cooling unit. Once dry, wrap or cover each air conditioner and store in a place that’s warm, dry, and elevated to prevent condensation buildup and rust. Repeat with each removable window air conditioning unit until all are cleaned and stored.

For Permanent Window Units

Unplug the in-window air conditioning unit then hose it off, remove any remaining debris, and let dry completely. Once dry, encase the air conditioning unit with burlap, a tarp, or a custom winter air conditioner cover. Secure cover with bungee cords as needed. Repeat with each in-window air conditioning unit around your home. Monitor all covers regularly during winter months to ensure there are no breaches (e.g., fabric tears) and replace as necessary.

Calculate my home value

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this post are for informational purposes only. To determine the best financing for your personal circumstances and goals, consult with a licensed advisor.