You should start getting your property ready for snow, sleet, and cold temperatures a few weeks before the first major winter storm. The changing seasons can wreak havoc on a home, and that is why you need to inspect every inch of your property well before the summer ends. These five projects will improve your family’s comfort and protect your home during the coldest months of the year.
Trim Tree Branches
A healthy tree can grow by quite a bit over a single summer, and any branches that are near your home need to be trimmed back before the first heavy storm. You should also check your driveway, walkways, and foundation for any cracks caused by tree roots. Trimming branches is a relatively easy job, but completely removing an old or infected tree should be left to the pros.
Check Your Furnace or Boiler
Your entire HVAC system should be inspected and serviced by a professional at least once every six months. Simple maintenance tasks such as regularly replacing air filters and cleaning the coils could save you thousands over the years. After the last heat wave passes through, you also need to reverse your ceiling fans so that they are spinning in a clockwise direction.
Add Some More Insulation
You most likely won’t need to replace your insulation every year, but you can still check it for any signs of damage before winter comes. Issues such as mold, water leaks, and pest infestations can destroy your insulation. Adding an extra layer of polyurethane insulation to your attic and crawlspaces could reduce your heating bills by as much as 30 percent.
Have the Roof Inspected
Modern roofs need to be inspected for damage a few times a year. Homeowners should consider contacting a roofing contractor like Berwald Roofing Inc or someone similar at the end of each summer to take care of damaged tiles or holes in the underlayment. They should also take a quick look at their gutters and downspouts to make sure that there are no clogs, leaks, or bent metal.
Check for Signs of Pests
Pests will immediately start looking for places to nest as soon as the nighttime temperatures drop by a few degrees. Getting rid of those pests well before the first frost of the season could prevent some major headaches next spring. Holes in dry food bags, rub marks on walls, and scratching noises in the walls are all common signs of a pest infestation.
The final step that you should take is to make sure you are ready for any disasters or emergencies that might occur in the next few months. Having a secondary heating source, extra food, and some water for your family could make all the difference if you lose power or get stuck in your home because of a snowstorm.
