Dawn Haverstick, Realtor

01/27/2026

My office assistant sleeping on the job. 🙄

11/12/2025

After skipping 2 days, we're at day 10 of 10 Days of Winter Maintenance. Yay! My daily posting is almost as sad as my public speaking abilities. 😒

10. Check the heater and carbon monoxide detector.

If you have a gas heater, inspect the pilot light to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. You can contact your local gas and electric providers to schedule an inspection. Also, confirm your carbon monoxide detector is working properly.

11/10/2025

Almost to the end; it is day 9 of 10 Days of Winter Maintenance.

10. Reverse ceiling fans.
Reversing the direction of any ceiling fans in the winter isn't just good maintenance; it also makes an impact. Switching fans from counterclockwise to clockwise will push warm air from the ceiling down into the room.

11/09/2025

Hello, friends! It is Day 8 of 10 Days of Winter Maintenance

8. Inspect Chimney and Clean Fireplace

Cleaning your fireplace and chimney can be a DIY job, as long as you have the right tools. Chimney brushes and accessories can be purchased online.

However, be sure to have a chimney sweep regularly inspect your chimney. DIY cleaning should augment rather than replace the services of a competent chimney sweep.

11/08/2025

It's day 7 of 10 Days of Winter Maintenance. It honestly feels like 10 days of Dawn having to be disciplined enough to remember to do these posts! 😆

7. Clean and replace filters in your heating system.

Make sure your filters are in good shape. During months when your system is in overdrive (like the winter), your winter home maintenance should include checking and replacing filters monthly. This will keep your system running well and ensure optimal air quality in your home.

11/07/2025

It's been a busy week and I realized I skipped yesterday, so today will be day 6 of Winter Maintenance.

6. Clean out dryer lint.

This is an especially important winter maintenance item because the heavier fabrics we use to stay warm naturally produce more lint, increasing the risk of dryer fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), over 15,000 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year, and these kinds of flames peak in January and are entirely preventable. Frequently empty the lint screen and keep your dryer vent opening free from snow and other debris to minimize risk.

11/04/2025

Day 5 of 10 Days of Winter Maintenance

5. Drain Outside Faucets

Before temperatures drop too low and cause freezing, drain all outside faucets. Unplug the hoses and let the remaining water drain out of the line. This will ensure no pipes freeze and potentially flood your home, basement, or yard.

11/03/2025

It's Day 4 of 10 Days of Winter Maintenance

Day 4: Scan Your Roof

Check your roof for any holes or damaged shingles. Summer storms and nasty critters can make your roof a liability come wintertime. If you identify any issues, hire a professional to get things in tip-top shape.
A lot of people want to wait until spring to take care of a roof issue. Big mistake! If there are small holes in shingles, water will get in there, freeze and expand, causing a larger issue and potential leaks the longer you hold off on repairing or replacing it, costing you even more money down the road.

11/02/2025

Hi there! It is day 3 of 10 Days of Winter Maintenance

3. Test Your Heating System

You don't want to find out your heating system is dead right when you need it. It's a lot easier for a plumber or HVAC expert to work on your system in the fall than in the winter.

Change your filters and test your heating in advance to ensure your furnace and thermostats are working appropriately. Look around your water heater for any signs of leaks or moisture, and take care of any minor issues before they become full-scale problems.

11/01/2025

Good morning! This is Day 2 of Winter Maintenance Tips.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors can lead to higher heating bills and uncomfortable indoor temperatures. Inspect the seals around windows and doors for any gaps or cracks. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal drafts and keep the warmth inside.

10/31/2025

Welcome to Day 1 of 10 Days of Winter Maintenance

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters

Falling leaves and debris can clog gutters, leading to water backup and potential ice dams during winter. Ice dams can damage roofs and create leaks. Clean out your gutters and ensure water flows away from your house properly. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce future maintenance.

10/20/2025