Winter Ready: Essential Home Maintenance Guide

Temperatures have dropped, the wind chill has picked up and with it comes the excitement of knowing a visit from the North Pole is soon to arrive. You've made your list, you've checked it twice. You're ready for the holiday but is your home ready for winter if the weather proves naughty and not nice? Check out our essential home maintenance guide to help you make sure it is. Go ahead and add the following to your list to ensure your home is cozy and defended from the elements.

Home Insulation

Proper insulation is one of the most critical aspects of winter home maintenance. Insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduces heat loss, saving you money on energy bills. Be sure to check the insulation conditions of your attic, walls, floors and basement Condensation, cold walls or floors, discoloration or stains on ceilings and walls, and inconsistent temperatures in your home can indicate that there's an insulation problem. Keep the cold air out and the warm air in by checking your insultation, adding more if needed or consulting a professional to assist in making your home the cozy haven it should be for the holidays.

Sealing Drafts

Drafts can be a major source of heat loss in your home. Cool air can sneak in from windows, doorways and places sometimes are hard to notice. Check for drafts around windows and seal them with caulk. Weatherstripping and draft stoppers on doors help keep cool air out. Don't forget to seal any gaps or cracks in your home's exterior walls. Keep your home warmer and reduce your heating costs by investigating and applying the best sealing methods for your home.

Heating System

Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance for your furnace or heat pump to ensure it's running efficiently and safely. Replace the air filters regularly and consider investing in a programmable thermostat to optimize heating usage. You want to make sure you hear the fan when you turn you initially turn your heat on but if there is continuous loud or creaking sounds, you want to make sure to address it. A well-functioning heating system is crucial during the winter months. So don't wait to do the proper inspections, as it will cost you money and time away from those you love by having to deal with your heating system.

Chimneys and Fireplaces

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it's essential to have it cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep before using it in the winter. This will help prevent chimney fires and ensure that smoke and gases are properly vented. Make sure the damper is working correctly and consider installing a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out. With a gas fireplace you'll want to check the venting system, the ignition, and burner assembly are functioning properly and that there are no gas leaks. A fireplace can provide great warmth to a space but can be a damper if not usable when needed.

Gutters and Spouts

The exterior of the home is just as important as the inside. Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to considerable damage during winter. Remove leaves and debris from your gutters to ensure proper drainage. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce maintenance in the future. Make sure downspouts direct water away from your home's foundation to prevent potential ice buildup. The last thing you want to do is let it these issues go unattended which will make for more work and cost you money in the end.

Roof

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against winter weather. Inspect it for missing or damaged shingles, and address any issues promptly. If you checked your attic insulation, you're one step ahead. Clear away debris and trim overhanging tree branches to prevent damage from potentially harsh weather. Also, it's a good rule of thumb to be careful of your placement of holiday lights and take down any that are damaged. Let a professional guide you and efficiently get rid of any unwanted headaches when it comes to your roof.

Plumbing

If you have outdoor faucets or irrigation systems, it's essential to winterize them to prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs. Shut off the water supply to outdoor fixtures, disconnect hoses, drain the lines, and cover them with insulation and faucet covers. There are various pipe line insulation methods so investigate what will work best for you. Protecting your outdoor plumbing will save you money and give you peace of mind.

You'll have less unwanted interruptions in your holiday when you're not trying to fix an issue with your home due to seasonal weather. Although you can't control the weather, being prepared for anything is better than costs associated with being unprepared. Establishing a winter maintenance plan for your home is not only advisable but wise. You can rest easy after checking everything off your list and then your home will be winter ready!