Home Maintenance Essentials for the Winter
Hoping to enjoy a warm and cozy winter? You'll want to perform the following home maintenance essentials fist:
Winterizing your home is an essential step to take if you hope to truly enjoy the winter and avoid emergencies like personal injury and property damage. As the temperatures start to drop, your home will need additional maintenance to ensure that it keeps you warm and safe throughout the winter.
1. Schedule a Furnace Inspection
Ensuring that your furnace is functioning should be your first order of priority this winter. The last thing you want is for your furnace to fail you when you need it the most. Begin the furnace inspection by calling an HVAC specialist. They will start by ensuring your furnace is clean, the filters are changed, and that nothing is in need of repair.
As you work to prepare your furnace for the cold, consider opting for a programmable thermostat. With a thermostat that you can update yourself, you'll make sure that your home is always at a comfortable temperature. Moreover, you'll be able to reign in your energy bill as you can prevent your thermostat from skyrocketing throughout the season.
2. Ready the Fireplace
Long nights by the fire are only possible if your fireplace is working properly. Start this winterizing process by cleaning your chimney and removing any soot, creosote or other debris. If you haven't already, get a screen or a cap for the chimney as this is the best option to keep birds and rodents out.
When preparing to light a fire, purchase firewood or start chopping your own. Then, store this wood in a dry area until you are ready to use it.
If you have a gas fireplace, be sure to perform am inspection. With an expert present, inspect the fireplace gas to ensure there are no leaks and that everything is in proper working order.
3. Check Doors, Windows, and Exteriors
Winter weather should be kept outside. Taking measures now to make sure your home is properly sealed will only benefit you in the long run. Start this process by inspecting your home's exterior for any cracks or exposed entry points that need to be sealed. Then, use weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows to ensure that no air leaks through.
Additionally, you'll want to replace any cracked windows to make sure they are strong enough to withstand winter winds. If you have a basement, make sure the window wells are covered with plastic shields. Similarly, if you haven't switched out your summer screens yet, be sure to do so now.
4. Inspect the Attic, Downspouts, Gutters, and Roof
If you live in an area that will see temperatures below freezing, it's a good idea to add extra insulation throughout your attic. This will help prevent any warm air from heading for your roof and forming ice dams. Be sure to check flashing to see that water hasn't entered your home.
While you're inspecting your attic, go ahead and take a look at your roof's tiles and shingles. If any are excessively worn out, you may want to replace them. Similarly, if you notice that your gutter is filled with debris, now is the time to start clearing any leaves or dirt away. You also may want to consider installing extensions or leaf guards to help direct precipitation away from your home.
5. Prepare Your Weather-Specific Equipment
Your weather-specific tools should be ready for you to use them at all times during the winter. Take the time now to replace any worn out tools or service any machines that need a bit of maintenance. For out-of-season equipment, make sure everything is stored properly and that it is completely drained of any gas.
Winter time can wreak havoc on your home if you aren't properly prepared. Follow these five tips to ensure that everything is ready for the colder months ahead.
