The Essential Guide to Winter Home Maintenance
ERA Evergreen
SPECIAL SAUCE: OUR RECIPE FOR RAVING FANS
SPECIAL SAUCE: OUR RECIPE FOR RAVING FANS
Do you feel the chill of winter in the air? In just a few weeks, we'll be welcoming another frigid season into our home, and we couldn't be more excited. Nonetheless, careful planning is essential!
As the days become shorter, we spend more time indoors, which means we need to make sure our homes are protected from harsh winter elements (if such conditions exist where you reside). Most of us may face a range of issues in the coming months as a result of freezing temperatures and dry heated air indoors, ranging from burst frozen pipes to leaky roofs!
Winter home maintenance is crucial to ensure your home is prepared for the colder months. This checklist can be adjusted based on your specific location and home features. Regular winter maintenance helps keep your home comfortable and can prevent more significant issues down the line. Here are nine tasks you may want to include in your winter home maintenance checklist.
Inspect and Clean Gutters
Have you recently checked your gutters? If you have trees near your house, we're sure they're already overflowing with leaves and trash.
Make your own gutter cleaning by combing the leaves out of your gutter with a little rake. If you don't want to do it yourself, you can pay a professional to clear it out. The most important thing is to get rid of everything. If it rains heavily and your gutters are overflowing, the water may create flooding around your home's exterior as well as siding and foundation damage.
Check and Seal Windows and Doors
Take care of broken weather stripping around windows, cracks beneath doors, and poor insulation around pipes to ensure that all that money doesn't go to waste every time you turn up the thermostat. While appropriate wall insulation is still important, there are many modest things you can do to improve your home's energy efficiency. Examine the recessed lighting, wiring, and plumbing, as well as the windows, doors, and basement.
Service Your Heating System
It's critical to have your furnace inspected once a year, especially before the winter storms approach! Schedule a tune-up or inspection and let a professional check for any safety concerns and perform preventive maintenance.
Inspect the Roof
Checking the roof for damaged or missing shingles is a crucial part of winter home maintenance. A well-maintained roof is essential for protecting your home from water damage, leaks, and heat loss.
Prepare Outdoor Faucets and Pipes
Shut off exterior water sources and drain outdoor faucets and irrigation systems. If you have pipes that are prone to freezing, consider insulating them to prevent damage.
Trim Trees and Branches
Trimming overhanging branches and dead limbs around your home is an important part of winter home maintenance. Heavy snow and winter storms can put extra stress on trees, making them more prone to breakage.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Ensure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition. Change the batteries and test each unit to guarantee they provide proper protection.
Winterize Outdoor Equipment
Prepare your outdoor tools and equipment for winter storage. Clean and store summer equipment, and make sure winter tools like snow blowers are in good working order.
Insulate and Protect Pipes
Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like the basement, attic, or crawl spaces to prevent freezing. Consider using heat tape or other insulation methods to protect against cold temperatures.
