Getting your home winter ready involves a combination of steps to help ensure your home remains safe, comfortable and energy efficient during the cold winter months.
Below are some home maintenance tips that will help you prepare your home for winter.
1. Inspect and Service Your Heating System:
Having your furnace or heating system professionally inspected and serviced prior to the winter months will help ensure you and your family stays safe, your system runs efficiently and there is less risk of a breakdown and resulting loss of heat when you need it the most.
2. Seal leaks and insulate:
Check for drafts around doors and windows. Seal any gaps or cracks with weatherstripping, caulk or insulation. Also, be sure to add insulation to your attic to help improve energy efficiency.
3. Clean Gutters:
Leaves and other debris coupled with rain or melting snow can lead to ice dams. These ice dams can cause water to back up under the shingles, leading to both leaks and damage to the roof and interior of your home. Cleaning your gutters helps to prevent this from happening.
4. Inspect and Clean your Fireplace and Chimney:
Have your fireplace and chimney professionally inspected and cleaned to prevent fire hazards and ensure safety. Both gas and wood burning fireplaces need to be inspected yearly and each pose different dangers if not properly cared for.
5. Prepare Plumbing:
If you want to avoid an expensive home repair nightmare be sure to insulate exposed pipes in order to prevent freezing and bursting. Also, be sure to drain and shut off exterior water faucets and store hoses.
6. Prepare for Snow and Ice:
Check and repair snow removal equipment such as snow shovels and snow blowers. And be sure to stock up on ice melt to help ensure your walkway and driveway remain safe.
7. Check Exterior Siding and Paint:
Be sure to check for and repair any cracks or other damage to your home’s exterior. Also, consider repainting or resealing wood surfaces to help protect them from the winter weather.
8. Pest Control:
During the winter, bugs and other pests tend to seek the warmth and food found within most homes. It is essential to make sure you properly pest proof your home by sealing entry points, clearing clutter and keeping your yard clean.
By following these tips you can help ensure your home remains safe, comfortable and energy efficient throughout the winter months. At Halo Home Maintenance we offer a 50-point checklist designed to help keep your home running safe, efficient and looking clean in the process.
