Home maintenance is important year-round, but with cooler temperatures upon us, it’s the time to make sure all your maintenance items are up to date and functioning properly. Now that the winter has come, having these maintenance items in your home will keep things running smoothly and ensure your home is safe and warm this winter!
Water Heater
Get ahead of the cooler temperatures and ensure that your water heater is functioning efficiently. A proper water heater will not only warm the temperature of the water being used daily but will keep your pipes from dangerous pressurization and risk of bursting during low external temperatures. You can choose from electric or gas tanks and varying sizes to find the water heater that best fits your home needs.
Exterior Caulk
Some inexpensive caulking will save you when it comes to the remaining monsoon storms. Stock up on tubes of caulk and seal all edges along windows, door frames and along the piping. This simple fix will prevent moisture from getting into your home and causing damage that would be harder to resolve. Sealing all cracks will also help keep out unwanted critters and pests. Just be sure to buy color-matching caulk so it doesn’t stand out. Not only does this yearly maintenance help keep things warm during this cold season, but it also helps keep the heat out during the summer.
New Furnace Filter
Before the temperature starts to cool, check the status of your furnace. A heating and cooling professional can inspect your furnace and provide an annual tune-up. It is also a good idea to have them change out the furnace and air conditioner filters every couple of months for a low cost. If you have a furry friend in your family or someone with allergies, be mindful of changing your furnace filter more often to keep the air pure.
Seasonal Screens for Windows and Doors
If you have been using summer screens, switch out to sturdier storm windows and doors. Storm windows and doors are designed to fight off the strongest weather and will keep your home safe and secure during the monsoon. Install storm windows and doors in place of screens, and store your screens in a dry area.
Pressure Washer
A reliable pressure washer can help with many home maintenance projects. From pressure washing the sides of your house, to use it to clean off debris on your roof safely, this tool will transform the entire exterior of your home. Pressure washers are a fairly affordable investment, ranging from $50 to $400. After the fall finally passes, your home might hold on to all the dust, debris and gunk on the exterior walls of your home. Give your curb appeal a fresh look by hosing off your whole house. Many people think their home needs a fresh coat of paint when all it really needs is a good cleaning.
Gutter Scoop
Clean out the debris and leaves that have accumulated in your gutter with the help of a plastic scoop. Most hardware stores sell cheap, plastic scoops that can fit in the crevices of your gutter, and using plastic will keep your gutter from being damaged. Metal scoops can scrape gutters which can lead to rusting.
Now that the cooler temps and darker days have set in, and make your home maintenance projects a priority. With a small financial investment and a little elbow grease, you will be able to prep your home for the winter. These must-have tools will prepare your home for the season shift. If you’re thinking about selling your home, consider these winter maintenance tips to boost your home value.
