Every homeowner knows that their home needs maintenance. Winter months can be an even more important time for you to ensure that this maintenance happens. You will want to make sure you have a checklist of items to take care of before and during the winter.
Winter months can bring more severe weather, so you want to be sure that your roof is doing its job. You will want to get a roof inspection to make sure that there wasn’t damage from spring and summer months. You will want to make sure that you find any issues before winter comes so you can avoid any big repairs. If repairs are needed, the best time to get it taken care of is before the temperatures drop.
Weatherstripping windows and doors is a great way to help your home be more energy efficient and help you save money. Making sure your windows and doors are sealed will ensure that your heated air doesn’t leak and be replaced with cold outdoor air. Weatherstripping can help you save 10 percent on your yearly energy costs. These benefits aren’t just for winter, as having your windows and doors weather-stripped can also save you money in the summer months by keeping your cooled air inside. You will want to make sure you use the proper weatherstripping for your windows and doors to help seal them.
Upgrading your insulation is a great way to help save you money in the winter months. Insulation helps to keep heat in and the cold out. Proper insulation will ensure you don’t put too much strain on your heating system due to overuse. Insulation can also help with your home structure, as it acts like a barrier to heat and moisture. Insulation can also help prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. Your insulation can also help improve your home’s air quality because it acts as a filter for air that may be leaking in from gaps in your roof and walls.
Before the cold winter months come, you may want to do some maintenance on your heating system to make sure that it is running efficiently. Some systems may require maintenance and cleaning every year, while others need it less frequently. Fireplaces require a lot of maintenance to keep clean and running efficiently. If you plan on utilizing your fireplace in the winter, you should have it checked and cleaned to be sure that it will burn cleanly and without obstruction.
Smoke and carbon dioxide detectors are important to inspect year-round, however before winter comes is a great time to be sure they are working. A big cause of structure fires during the winter months is from heating, so making sure smoke detectors work will protect your family. Heating systems can also leak, which can cause a carbon dioxide leak. This can happen from a furnace or water heater leak. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, so it is important to make sure the detectors are working properly.
When the temperature drops, it can freeze any water that is left in your pipes, causing damage. You can insulate exposed pipes inside to keep them from freezing and causing expensive damage. You also need to check the pipes and faucets outside. These need to have their water supply turned off and they need to be drained so no water is left inside. Be sure to also disconnect any hoses from the outside faucets and drain those as well.
You will want to make sure to add flushing and insulating your hot water tank to your list of things to do before winter. When the winter gets cold, you wouldn’t want to be left without hot water, or go through the hassle of costly repairs or replacements. Proper maintenance will help with this. You want to make sure to flush the tank (ideally a few times in a year) to help prevent sediment from building up. You will also want to make sure the tank and pipes are insulated, which will help your hot water tank be more efficient as well as ensuring that the pipes don’t freeze.
You will want to trim your trees once winter has begun as this prevents damage to them. If you have trees that are already damaged, the cold winter months and severe weather can cause further damage to your trees. If your trees are close to your house this also leaves it susceptible to any damage from falling limbs. It is also more efficient and better for your trees to do tree pruning while the trees are dormant. This can also help prevent winter damage and will help your tree look better in the spring because they will be able to repair and regrow.
Clearing gutters before winter is important to have on your checklist, because it can also help prevent damage. During the fall months leaves and other debris and even water may get built up in your gutters which makes them susceptible to ice dams. This is due to water having nowhere to go. Ice dams are dangerous and can damage your gutter, roof and the rest of your home due to the weight. It can also cause leaks and other problems. Your gutters play a very important role in your home as they direct water away and prevent erosion of sediment and pooling that can lead to damage to your home.
Regular maintenance is an important part of being a homeowner. Winter often brings more severe weather at times, and colder temperatures which can have a big impact on your home. Before and during winter are great times to make sure that things are taken care of so you can avoid any damage to your home and make sure it is running efficiently.
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