As winter approaches, it is time to trade in beach towels for fluffy blankets and to prepare your home for the colder months ahead.
Taking time to perform some necessary maintenance tasks can protect your home from potential damage, keep you comfortable, and save you from significant expenditures in the future.
Here is your ultimate checklist to ensure your home is winter-ready!
1. Inspect and Clean Your Heating System
With the winter season just around the corner, it is necessary to take preventative measures to ensure that your heating system is functioning at its best. One of the most important steps is scheduling a professional maintenance check for your HVAC system.
This maintenance check will involve a thorough inspection of your heating system to identify any underlying issues that could prove to be problematic in the future. During the maintenance check, the HVAC technician will also clean the system, lubricate the moving parts, and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
In addition to the maintenance check, do not forget to replace furnace filters regularly! Dirty filters can restrict airflow, making your home less efficient and increasing energy bills. By replacing your furnace filters, you can make sure your home stays warm, and your heating system is running efficiently and effectively.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
When it comes to energy efficiency, windows and doors are often the main culprits for heat loss. That is why, as winter approaches, it is important to check all entrances and openings for drafts and leaks and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. You can buy this at the hardware store for a few dollars, but the savings can translate big time to your heating bills!
In addition, installing storm windows and doors can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency, keeping it warm during the cold months and saving you additional money on heating.
3. Insulate Your Home
As the cold weather approaches, it is important to make sure your home stays warm and comfortable! One of the best ways to do this is by checking the insulation in your home.
Make sure to check the insulation in your roof, external walls, and attic, as these are the areas where heat loss is most likely to occur. If your insulation is outdated or inadequate, consider upgrading or adding insulation to keep your home cozy and reduce your heating bills. This investment can also help pay off in the summer since new insulation will also keep cool air in.
4. Protect Pipes from Freezing
Winter weather can bring about a serious problem of frozen pipes — which is the last thing anyone wants to be dealing with! If a pipe bursts, it can cause major water damage to your home.
To avoid this, it is important to take preventive measures by insulating any exposed piping, particularly in colder areas such as basements and garages. Additionally, on exceptionally cold days, you can keep water flowing by letting your faucets drip slightly. This will help prevent water from freezing inside the pipes and causing damage.
5. Check Your Roof
Late fall is a good time to conduct a thorough inspection of your roof to see if there are any potential areas of concern or damage.
You will want to look for missing, cracked, or curled shingles, as well as any gaps or holes that may have developed. Pay close attention to the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights, as these are common areas for leaks to occur.
It is equally important to ensure that your gutters are clean and free of debris. Blocked gutters can lead to ice dams, preventing water from draining from your roof. This can cause the water to seep into your home, significantly damaging your ceilings, walls, and floors.
Be careful working on your roof, though! If you are uncomfortable looking at or inspecting your roof, call a trusted professional who can provide their input and expertise without risking a dangerous situation.
6. Perform a Safety Check
As the seasons change, it is a great time to test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace any batteries as needed. It is also a good idea to check out your fire extinguishers and purchase new ones if they expire.
7. Prep Your Yard
Do not forget your yard! Before the season’s first frost, drain and store outdoor hoses and shut off water to outdoor faucets. Additionally, cover your outdoor furniture to protect it from the elements. That way, as spring comes around, your outdoor furniture will be just like you left it.
Make sure to also spend some time cleaning up any debris from your yard and cut back any branches that may pose a hazard. These can fall and become dangerous when heavy with snow or ice.
8. Prepare for Snow Removal
While some people may love the snowy winter, it can also be a hassle to shovel and deal with through the season. Taking some time now to prepare for any snowstorms will ensure you are extra ready when the first winter storm hits.
Take some time to inspect your snow shovel and ensure it is in good condition, purchase enough ice melt to last through the season, and schedule a maintenance check for your snow blower if you own one.
9. Update Emergency Kits
Last but not least, equip your home with an emergency kit with some important essentials like bottled water, canned food, first aid supplies, a flashlight, a radio, extra batteries, and necessary medications. You never know when dangerous temperatures or a winter storm could knock power out, and you will want to be safe if you find yourself without your normal resources.
Winter can be a harsh season for your home! By staying on top of home and yard maintenance, you can ensure you are ready for anything winter throws your way. This checklist will ensure that your home is able to withstand the cold, keeping you safe, comfortable, and ready to welcome the winter wonderland outside your door!
