Winter is coming! Make sure you’re prepared…so you can enjoy the snow and not worry about your home.
This is just a friendly reminder that with the cooler weather upon us, there are a few preventative maintenance tips we would recommend performing in order to keep your home as safe and comfortable as possible during the winter season. 
- Do not use salt products on concrete, as it will damage the surface, and is not covered under warranty. We recommend using sand instead. However the best practice is to remove snow and sleet before it turns to ice. Also, remember never to chip at ice on concrete. Salt from city streets often collects underneath your vehicle and falls to your garage floor or driveway as it melts. Remember to squeegee or sweep these surfaces to remove unwanted salts. It is also recommended that you seal all concrete surfaces annually to achieve maximum protection.
- Remove all hoses and attachments from your exterior faucets. Leaving your hoses or attachments connected during the colder months will cause the water to freeze and consequently split the faucet open and water damage may occur.
- Check your furnace now, if you haven’t already, to give it a test run and make sure everything is working properly. For new homes that have not been through a heating season, you may experience a “burn off” smell. This is natural for first time start up of a new furnace.
- Don’t forget to check your furnace filter EVERY It is recommended to change your filter based on brand purchased. Cheaper filters should be changed monthly. High quality (thicker) filters can last up to 5-6 months.
- If you have a wood burning fireplace, remember to open your flue and fresh air intake prior to igniting a fire. Preheat or warm the flue to aid in proper drafting first.
- Do not warm up automobiles inside of the garage. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up and enter your home even if your door is open.
- Replace all batteries in smoke detectors throughout entire home. (9 Volt)
- As the air in the winter season becomes dry, all wood products in your home will tend to contract (shrink). Proper use of humidifiers can lessen the potential for gapping in hardwood floors and movement of doors/trim. Turn on your humidifier today and adjust as needed throughout the winter season.
Headquartered in Burr Ridge, Illinois, Beechen & Dill Homes is recognized as one of Chicagoland’s most buyer-friendly and distinctive home builders. Beechen & Dill has constructed an award-winning reputation over 40 years and dozens of planned communities and custom home projects in Chicago’s south and southwest suburbs. For more information, please visit beechendill.com.