For many of us, November marks the beginning of a season filled with house guests, non-stop holiday cooking, and cozy nights indoors. This is also the last chance for cold zone residents to complete any last-minute outdoor maintenance and garden projects. Get ready for whatever this month brings by doing these timely tasks.
1. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable or installation smart thermostat Turns on savings automatically—this is another function you don’t have to remember to do manually. United States Department of Energy It’s estimated that homeowners can save about 10 percent on their heating costs by turning their thermostat down 7 to 10 degrees for up to eight hours a day. If you work away from home, setting your thermostat to automatically set a lower temperature while you’re away may be no easy task. Energy Star-certified ecobee smart thermostat with voice controlone of our top artists Researched Guide to the Best Programmable ThermostatsCan be controlled via Siri or Alexa.
Connected: What temperature should I set my thermostat at in the winter?
2. Add attic insulation
attic insulation It’s your home’s first line of defense against drafts and inefficient heating. Without proper insulation, up to 25 percent of the heat you pump into your home will escape through the roof. when choosing which type of insulation As for what’s best for your attic, consider the age of your home and the area you live in.
The R-value of insulation measures how well the insulation keeps out the cold. For residents of North America, insulation manufacturers johns manville recommends that attic insulation have an R-value of at least 38; An R-value of 49 to 60 is even better.
3. Equip the kitchen with a fire extinguisher
Americans are getting ready to test their ovens and stovetops this month. As you begin your holiday preparations, here’s an important reminder: There are more cooking fires on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year. Make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way fire extinguisher Close the kitchen by hand and tell the cooks where it is kept. Also check the pressure of existing extinguishers, and replace any old or damaged units.
4. Hang holiday lights
There is some debate over its exact timing. hang up christmas lights, But many Americans waste no time making the switch over Thanksgiving weekend. As far as we’re concerned, one of the best reasons to hang lights in November is that the (slightly) warmer weather makes the job more comfortable. Whenever you decide to light your patio, check all wires for fraying, and dispose of any damaged wires. Plug lights into ground fault circuit interrupter outlets (GFCI) and turn off decorations before going to bed to reduce the risk of electrical fire. we liked the idea of hanging Govi Permanent Outdoor LightsWhich you can leave on throughout the year and change the colors and patterns to suit different holidays. Our The tested guide to the best Christmas lights It has some other great options too.
5. Preparing pipes for winter
When they’re exposed to extreme temperatures, under- or non-insulated pipes, especially those that run along an exterior wall or unheated garage, can freeze and cause major problems. To protect your pipes, first make sure your walls are adequately insulated. You may also consider special wrapping heating cable Or heating tape Around water pipes running along exterior walls. The heating tape can be plugged into an outlet, which will heat the water in your pipes to keep them from freezing and bursting. Avoid placing heating tape on the inside of walls, ceilings or floors, where it could pose a danger. fire hazard,
6. Stock up on firewood
Gathering the family around the fireplace is one of the best things about cold weather. Before you strike a match, make sure you have enough firewood available for the season. Seasoned hardwoods such as oak or ash are typically Best wood to burn in fireplace,
7. Prepare the guest room
If you’re hosting friends and family this season, now’s the time to get the guest bedroom in tip-top condition. A fresh coat of paint or new bedding can make a space look more inviting and won’t break the bank. Don’t have a spare bedroom? Option guest bed ideassuch as cots, air mattresses, or pull out sofaCan instantly transform any room into a bedroom.
8. Take care of your kitchen surfaces
Given the extra time you and your family will be spending in the kitchen by the end of the year, chances are your countertops will be seeing more spills, stains, and scratches than usual. The best ways to protect these surfaces depend on their composition: While materials like quartz and laminate only require regular cleaning with an all-purpose spray, countertops made of butcher block, marble and Granite must be sealed To resist stains (and warping in the case of butcher block).
Once your countertops are safe, proceed to clean your cutting board: plastic boards can be cleaned in the dishwasher; clean wood cutting boards With vinegar or, if there are stains, with salt and half a lemon. Treat wood cutting boards with food-safe mineral oil.
9. Insulate the water heater
Yours water heater Possibly installed in an unheated environment such as a basement or garage. Insulating your equipment is essential to prevent it from losing heat. choose an insulating water heater blanket It is the correct size for your tank, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. This quick action can save you 4 to 9 percent in water heating costs, and pay for itself in about a year.
10. Clean your cooking equipment
Your kitchen is likely extremely busy for the Thanksgiving holiday, which is why now is the time to reduce the risk of grease fires and make sure your stove top And drip pan Are clear. go ahead and clean ovenThat, too, with a non-toxic, fume-free mixture of baking soda, water, and vinegar. Just don’t use the self-clean function on your oven Correct Before the big day: Self-cleaning puts stress on your equipment and can result in maintenance calls or worse.
