Houston Home Maintenance Tips

Fall Window Maintenance Tips for Houston Homes

Maintaining your Houston home's windows is just as important in the Fall and Winter as it is in the Spring and Summer. The fear of letting in Summer heat and causing skyrocketing cooling bills is replaced by worries of letting in too much Winter cold and taxing your furnace. But the basics of window maintenance hold true all year long. So, if you neglected to address your window maintenance concerns over the Summer, it's time to redeem yourself with a little Fall window maintenance for your Houston home.

• Paint and repair window frames. Window sills and window frames can take a beating, even with the most conscientious of homeowners. From nasty weather to pet scratches to furniture movers, window frames are subject to normal everyday wear and tear. Repairing or replacing damaged window frames or even just adding a fresh coat of paint can go a long way toward improving the image of your windows.
• Seal those gaps. Over time, as your house settles, gaps can be created around your window frames. These gaps might seem small and innocuous, but every little bit of air they let in can cause your A/C or heater to work just that much harder. On rainy days, they can also let in moisture that can lead to mold growth. You definitely don't want that. Purchase some caulking at your local hardware store, and follow the instructions to seal up those gaps. Your air conditioner and heater will love you for it .. as will your energy bill. If you need to take it a step further to seal up larger gaps around the window frame, purchase some weatherstripping. It's inexpensive and easy to install.
• Clean 'em! Clean windows can be an inviting sign all year long, but they can be particularly welcoming during the Fall and Winter months, when you have visitors coming over to celebrate the holidays and admire your decor. Let's be honest: the only thing that would make your Christmas tree look even more magical this Winter is a crystal clear window to view it through.