December maintenance for a cold climate
Heating season dominates. Freeze protection, ice dams and furnace care are the big-ticket risks.
3 tasks this month. The median typical first freeze across the region’s counties is Oct 8 and the last is May 2; your county can differ by weeks.
December3 tasks
- This monthPress the test button on every smoke and CO alarm.
An alarm you have not heard in months may have a dead battery or sensor. NFPA recommends testing smoke alarms at least once a month.
How
Hold the test button until it sounds. Anything silent or chirping: replace the battery, or the whole alarm if it is past its date.
- This monthKeep the furnace and water-heater intake and exhaust vents clear of snow.
High-efficiency appliances vent through plastic pipes on the side wall. If drifting snow blocks them the appliance shuts down, or exhaust can back up.
How
After each storm, clear the pipes and a foot around them. Keep CO alarms working on every level.
- WatchDegrease the range-hood filter.
Grease-clogged hood filters stop pulling smoke and grease out of the kitchen and can feed a stovetop fire.
How
Pop the metal filter out and soak it in hot water with dish soap and baking soda, or run it through the dishwasher if the maker allows.