As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, you might start to think about the holidays and how nice it will be to stay home and cuddle up under a warm blanket. But before you start sipping hot cocoa, you might want to finish some things around the house first.
In this piece, we’ll talk about the top ten things you should do to take care of your home maintenance tasks in the winter. Don’t let the cold weather bring you down. Focus on these jobs and enjoy a warm and cozy home all winter long!
Top 10 Home Maintenance Tasks
Before you settle in for the long winter, here are 10 home maintenance tasks to consider addressing in your home.
1. Check your Furnace
To keep your heating system running easily all winter, it’s a good idea to do some basic home maintenance tasks. ENERGY STAR says to check your boiler filter and change it if it looks dirty. At least every three months, the filter should be changed. ENERGY STAR also says that it is a good idea to have a professional clean and check your heater once a year.
2. Inspect your Roof
The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests checking for damage to your roof twice a year. Spotting possible concerns, such as damaged or missing shingles, may help you avoid a bigger problem and maybe more expensive repairs down the line, whether you inspect it yourself or employ an expert. Therefore, before the sleet, ice, and snow of winter arrive, it is advisable to perform any minor repairs that may be required.
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3. Fill gaps around windows and doors
Feeling chilly is unpleasant, and drafts around windows and doors can cause your furnace to work harder than it has to. Angi suggests using caulk to seal the space around the window trim. According to Angie’s List, another way to ensure a good seal is to place weatherstripping around the frames of your doors and windows. To prevent warm air from escaping through the bottom of your door, you can construct a simple draft stopper.
4. Test the sump pump
5. Inspect your chimney and fireplace
There’s nothing like a crackling fire on a chilly winter night, but before you light up, make sure your chimney, vents, and fireplace are all in good working order. Chimney sweeps are trained professionals that can clean and examine your fireplace and chimney safely. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends annual checks of gas fireplace chimneys and flues for obstructions. The gas pipes and chimneys can be checked for leaks and serviced by a professional as well.
6. Clean your gutters
Water damage, sagging gutters, ice dams, and pest infestations are just some of the problems that can result from neglected gutters. At least twice a year, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, you should clean the gutters and downspouts of leaves, sticks, and other debris.
7. Store outdoor furniture
Patio sets often suffer damage throughout the winter. According to HGTV, wicker, plastic, resin, and wood furniture should all be cleaned (according to manufacturer instructions) and brought indoors for the winter. You may leave your teak and metal furniture outside all winter, but HGTV recommends giving it a good cleaning before putting it away for the season. Covering furniture and bringing cushions and umbrellas inside can help preserve them.
8. Switch ceiling fan direction
Turn the reverse switches on your ceiling fans to the clockwise position when the temperature drops. According to ENERGY STAR, this causes an updraft that returns the warm air to the room after it has risen to the ceiling. As a result, you could potentially reduce your heating costs by lowering the thermostat.
9. Turn off outside faucets
Water in external pipes can freeze during cold weather, which can lead to pipe bursts. Remove the hoses from the outside faucets before the weather becomes too cold. According to The Family Handyman, you should close the shutdown valves on any outdoor faucets you have. Then, turn the outside tap on and off to let any remaining water escape the pipe. The Family Handyman recommends using an insulated cover to safeguard outdoor faucets.
10. Get your winter weather supplies
Do not put off going to the hardware shop until the first snowfall of the season. Have a look at what you have and replace any broken snow shovels or other tools. When storms are on the horizon, it’s important to stock up on ice melt and salt.
Checking these items off your home maintenance list can help you be ready for the season, whether you live in a location that experiences frequent winter rain or will spend the cold months dealing with snowstorms.
Some of the measures you can take to protect your possessions are illustrated here. Please keep in mind that there is no way to guarantee any outcome, and that not every precaution will be suitable or helpful in every situation. Please use your own discretion and common sense, and keep safety in mind at all times.
How do I ensure the safety of my home during the cold season?
- You should inspect your roof and heating system.
- Seal any openings surrounding glass surfaces.
- The sump pump should be checked.
- Have your fireplace and chimney checked out.
- The gutters need to be cleaned.
- Put away patio sets.
- Changing the direction of a ceiling fan
How do you maintain a seasonal home?
If you live in a location that suffers snowstorms, check the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage or debris after each storm. When the weather warms up, you should check the basement for leaks. Empty the drip pans and vacuum the coils of your fridge and freezer.