Winter Home Maintenance

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As cold temperatures are setting in, extreme weather can take a toll on your home if you aren’t prepared. Luckily, we have some tips to help you prepare and protect your home for the winter months.

Prepare Plumbing

Ensure your pipes are prepared for freezing temperatures, especially if they are located near or in an exterior wall or unheated space. Many housing codes require insulation for pipes that may be exposed to the cold, however, you can add extra protection with leak and temperature sensors to help monitor the pressure and temperature of your pipes. Additionally, you could invest in an automatic water shutoff valve which will shut the water source off if you were to get a leak.

Reminder: Disconnect and drain any outside hoses and cover exterior faucets with a Styrofoam cover.

Clear the Roof and Clean Out Gutters

Fall foliage is great until those fallen leaves make their way into your gutter along with sticks and other buildup throughout the year. Make sure you regularly clear out gutters of any debris that could cause a buildup of ice and snow preventing them from properly draining. If the gutters get too full, the water can get under your shingles and cause leaks and water damage to your home.

While you’re on the roof it’s also a good time to remove any fallen branches or debris that could cause damage.

Insulate and Check for Drafts

By making sure your attic and/or crawl spaces are properly insulated, you can ensure that your living spaces will stay warm throughout the winter without making your heating system work overtime. Additionally, check windows and doors for drafts that may be creeping in, replacing any caulking or weather stripping as you go. This will also help keep down heating costs.

Service the Heating System and Chimney

Having your heating system serviced annually is important to keeping your HVAC running smoothly throughout the cooler months. And a healthy heating system is a key component to making sure your pipes don’t freeze and burst.

If you utilize a fireplace or heating system that uses a chimney, you’ll want to make sure you schedule a visit from a chimney sweep to give it a good cleaning and inspect for any needed repairs. Any leftover creosote buildup can be a fire hazard if not cleaned properly.

Adjust the Thermostat

It can be tempting to keep your home cooler to offset heating costing in the winter, but make sure you don’t keep your thermostat too low. Aim for anything above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (preferably 60) to ensure your home stays warmer inside than out. This will also help keep your pipes warm and prevent freezing.

Getting your home prepared for winter ahead of time can help you avoid a lot of headache and inconvenience. But now that your home is prepared for what winter throws your way, you can relax and enjoy all the season brings.