As winter approaches, it’s not just the wardrobe that needs a switch; your home requires a complete makeover as well. The cold months can be harsh on your house, making it crucial to follow a comprehensive winter home maintenance guide. Irrespective of whether you just moved to a colder climate or got hit sooner than expected with winter storms, taking time to prepare your home for the freezing temperatures can save you from expensive repairs and unexpected troubles.
Our comprehensive winter home maintenance guide will help you ensure your home’s safety and efficiency during the cold months.
1. Pre-Winter Check
Before winter hits in full swing, tick off some tasks from your checklist.
1.1 Exterior Maintenance
Prepare the exterior of your home for the cold months. Replace your window screens with storm windows if available. If not, it is a good idea to remove the screens until winter ends.
1.2 Interior Maintenance
Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to force warm air down into the room. This simple step can increase your home’s heating efficiency and reduce heating costs.
2. Annual Winter Maintenance Tasks
There are a few tasks that you should perform annually as part of your winter home maintenance routine.
2.1 Cleaning Gutters
Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is crucial to facilitate water runoff in the spring. Heavy snow can block gutters and pull them away from the roof. Melting snow and ice can freeze and cause water accumulation, resulting in roof damage.
2.2 Checking Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With doors and windows tightly shut to keep out the cold air, fresh airflow is at a minimum. This means your home is more susceptible to the build-up of dangerous gases like carbon monoxide. Ensure you’re alerted to any smoke or gas leaks by testing your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
3. On-going Winter Maintenance Tasks
These tasks require frequent attention, especially during severe weather conditions.
3.1 Exterior Tasks
Monitor the roof for any ice dams or damage. Large icicles hanging from your roof line indicate a poorly insulated attic and potential ice dam threat.
3.2 Interior Tasks
During deep cold spells, keep all interior doors open to encourage heat circulation. Replace your HVAC air filter every three months.
4. Protecting Pipes
Exposure to cold air can make your pipes burst, causing significant water damage in your home. It is crucial to add some insulation to your pipes and faucets with a quick trip to the hardware store.
5. Proper Insulation
The right amount of insulation can keep your home warmer and reduce utility bills. Make sure to use the correct R-value or thickness and density recommended for your area.
6. Caring for Trees
Winter storms can damage trees on your property. Heavy ice and winds can cause limbs to break and trees to fall. Make sure to keep branches trimmed away from power lines and the roof.
7. Heating System Check
Have your furnace or heating system professionally inspected. Most manufacturers and technicians recommend scheduling a tune-up or inspection for your furnace every year.
8. Chimney Cleaning
The last thing you want on a cold wintry night is your home filling up with smoke because of a chimney blockage. It is essential to get your chimneys and flue professionally cleaned.
9. Ensuring Energy Efficiency
After spending money to have your furnace checked, ensure that all that money isn’t going to waste every time you turn up the thermostat.
10. Stocking Emergency Supplies
If you live in an area that’s prone to winter storms, it’s important to prepare for short-term emergencies.
11. Clearing Snow and Ice
When the snow arrives, it’s important to clear it from your trees and your roof and gutters.
12. Home Tool Care
Winter work can be hard on tools. Cutting limbs and blowing snow can cause a power tool to overheat. Here’s how to keep your tools working well when the temperature drops.
Preparing your home for the cold weather ahead will help you enjoy the season to its fullest. As you go through your winter home maintenance checklist, you can rest assured knowing your home is ready for any freezing temperatures or snowstorms around the corner.
