Top 10 Home Maintenance Winter Checklist Tips
Ready for a Winter Wonderland? Here’s Our Winter Checklist for Your Home Maintenance.
There’s a chill in the air, but is your home ready for all that winter weather?
We’ve put together a checklist of ten essential tasks you should put on your to-do list before that first winter storm.
1. Check Your Heating System
Your boiler should be checked monthly for any leakage, and now’s a good time to go and check your furnace filter as well – if it’s dirty, change it out.
You should also check to ensure there are no leaves, shrubs, or greenery blocking the heat pump.
2. Inspect Your Roof
You should have your roof inspected twice a year, either by a professional or even by yourself. Look for problems like damaged or missing shingles and other miscellaneous wear and tear.
Don’t shrug these off; it’s much better to do several small maintenance repairs over time than to have your roof cave in after a particularly bad snowstorm.
3. Fill Gaps Around Doors And Windows
Gaps around windows and doors won’t just leave you chilly; they’ll cost you money as heat escapes. Fill any gaps around windows with caulk, and consider adding weatherstripping to avoid drafts and improve insulation.
4. Inspect Your Chimney & Fireplace
Any blockages in your chimney can be deadly, especially if you use a gas-powered fireplace. A professional can clear and inspect your chimney and fireplace, as well as check gas lines and vents for leaks.
5. Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause issues like water damage, ice dams, and can become a hazard if they’re loosened by the elements, not to mention issues with vermin like insects and rodents. You can call a professional to clear them for you, or take care of it yourself.
6. Get Your Summer Appliances and Furniture Winter-Ready (Or Store Them)
You probably won’t be cranking the AC or lounging in your patio chair during a snowstorm. Any outdoor furniture should be stored inside to avoid damage, or at the very least, covered from the elements.
As for your air conditioner, clean the fan blades first. If you have an outdoor unit, cover the condenser to prevent freezing or rust damage. If you have an in-window unit, take it out and store it to ensure heat doesn’t escape your house.
7. Turn Off Outside Faucets
Water can freeze in exterior pipes, causing them to burst. Disconnect garden hoses from outside faucets, and turn off any shut-off valves. Make sure you clear all the water from the tap.
8. Switch Ceiling Fan Directions
Your ceiling fans have a switch that will reverse the direction it spins. When your fan moves in the opposite direction, it brings air up to the ceiling and pushes it back down to the ground.
So when the heat in your home rises, a reversed fan will circulate it through the room–reducing that heating bill in the process!
9. Check Your Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
You should check both of these every six months, but between heaters drying out the air and gas fireplaces being used more often, it’s especially important to check them before winter starts.
10. Stock Up On Winter Supplies BEFORE The First Storm
Ice melt, salt, and shovels are necessities for the winter, and they’re guaranteed to be sold out once the weatherman predicts the first storm of the season. Stock up ahead of time to avoid the winter rush at the store. Also, consider stocking up on emergency supplies, especially if your area is prone to blackouts during winter storms.
Get Your Home Warranty Today
Did you know a home warranty can cover many of these winter-prepped items? Talk to us today to find out how you can save on your yearly maintenance by getting a free quote.
