House Doctors Opens in Scranton by Father, Son Team

House Doctors brings new face to professional handyman service in October

It’s that time of the year again. Leaves are falling, the weather is getting colder and we are spending more time indoors. With the holidays approaching and school in full swing, many people forget that this time of the year is the perfect time to do a thorough home inspection to make sure your house is completely “winterized” for the next four months. These annual checks can save big money on your heating bill while avoiding costly mistakes that could occur from freezing temperatures. The experts from House Doctors are here to help with this list of easy tips and reminders for winterizing your home:

Exterior Inspection

• Check Hoses - Drain any hoses around your house to make sure there is no free flowing water or leaks in the pipes that could potentially freeze and lead to a broken pipe. Also, make sure to check hose beds for excess or standing water to ensure the area does not become hazardous when frozen.
• Clear Downspouts and Gutters -Avoid basement flooding and damage to your foundation by cleaning gutter channels and clearing downspouts of debris. Replace deteriorating or broken gutters to ensure proper water drainage.
• Protect your Pipes - Frozen or burst pipes are among a homeowner’s worst nightmares. As a preventative measure, add insulation to pipes in unheated areas, reducing heat loss from hot-water pipes and condensation on cold water pipes.
• Check your Chimney - Visually check the chimney for loose debris that could catch fire or block smoke from escaping the house. If not vented correctly, carbon monoxide can build up in your home and endanger the whole family.

Interior Inspection:

• Winterize Your Weather Stripping - First, do a simple light test around all of your door ways. If any light shows through, you need to replace the weather stripping. Use caulk on your doorways to seal out moisture and outside air as well as keep heat from leaking out of the house. Caulk creates a tight moisture barrier which prevents precipitation from seeping into the gaps and joints of your home.
• Basement/Utility Room- First, check for seal cracks and leaks in the walls and floors. Then make sure you clean the vents to ensure proper operation and then test, clean and lubricate the sump pump. As for your water heater, make sure you don’t crank the heart up too high and instead try insulating the outside of the tank to conserve energy and cut your bills.
• All of these steps can be taken to better ensure your house and family will be kept warm and happy this winter season. By taking some time to do a fall inspection of your house, you can avoid costly repairs and save money by making sure your home is ready for the cold.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ed and Bill Shoener are the owners and operators of House Doctor, a professional handyman service helping with dozens of tasks around the home, from the little “honey-do” projects to small remodels. They recently opened in the Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Pocono area and are ready to help with your every household question and concern.