Four Winter Home Maintenance Tips

 

 

With colder temperatures right around the corner, it is important to think about your home and how you can properly maintain it to keep you and your loved ones comfortable this winter season.  Many individuals are busy thinking about the festive holidays coming up and fail to properly inspect and care for their home.  Here are four helpful winter home maintenance tips to keep your home running smoothly.

1. Maximize Energy Efficiency

As you can imagine, your heating system will be running almost constantly during the cold winter months.  One of the best things you can do to keep your heating system running properly is to change your filters every month.  This will help keep your HVAC system clean and running properly. 

Other areas to care for and inspect during the winter months are your ceilings and attic.  It is important to check that these areas are properly insulated so that warm air does not escape. 

Third, be sure to check that your windows are not allowing warm air to escape as well.  If your windows are not double-paned, install storm windows or purchase a kit from a local hardware store that will allow you to improve the insulation.  Oftentimes, winter home maintenance is simpler than many people may think.

2. Consider Your Pipes

Pipes that are located near the outside walls of your home (e.g., in the attic and basement) are in danger of freezing during extremely cold temperatures.  In order to prevent this problem, consider letting water drip from your faucets overnight.  You can also open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate in places such as underneath your sinks. 

3. Prepare for an Emergency

The potential for an emergency to strike is especially high during the colder months.  Power outages and being snowed in can cause distress for many individuals which is why it is important to gather essential items that will keep you prepared.  Items such as a flashlight, warm clothing and blankets, first-aid kit and food and water should be stored somewhere safe in your home.

4. Take Care of Your Yard

Many individuals tend to think winter is the perfect time to take a break from yard care.  Unfortunately, this thinking is incorrect and can lead to potential problems during the winter.  Be sure to check the following items around the outside of your house during your winter home maintenance routine:

·         Trim trees and bushes away from your house to ensure no icy branches fall and break a window

·         Check the roof for any cracks or leaks

·         Inspect the foundation for any small cracks that would allow small animals to burrow inside your home

·         Clear snow away from your dryer vent, gas meter and away from basement windows

 

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