Cold weather is coming, and it won’t be long before the winter storms start rolling in. However, before we get deep into the season, it’s important to take some precautions to safeguard your home. Using a few winter maintenance tasks, you can make sure you’re ready to face the snow, keep your home warm, and avoid potentially expensive repairs. To help ensure you cover all your bases, here are 15 winter home maintenance tasks to check off your list.
15 Winter Home Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home
While you might be ready for the holiday season, is your home ready for winter? To prepare your home for the coldest season of the year, here are some essential winter home maintenance tips every homeowner should cover.
1. Tune Up Your Heating System
Your heating system should be inspected at least once a year, ideally before any unexpected winter storms. Whether you use a gas furnace, an HVAC system, or a boiler, it’s important to get things serviced. Filters should be changed, and a professional should thoroughly inspect heating components to ensure everything is functioning properly. This will not only keep your home warm but can also help reduce energy costs by improving overall efficiency. Depending on your system, you may also want to check your vents and ductwork.
2. Get Your Chimney Cleaned
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it’s recommended that your chimney be inspected and cleaned by a professional before using it for the season. If not properly removed, creosote (a highly flammable substance) can lead to chimney fires. Additionally, an inspection can identify blockages from animals or debris that could prevent proper ventilation, keeping your home safe from smoke and carbon monoxide.
3. Schedule a Roof Inspection
Winter weather can be harsh on your roof, especially with the added weight of snow and ice. A professional roof inspection can identify any loose shingles, damaged flashing, or other vulnerabilities that could lead to leaks or structural damage. Addressing these issues in advance will help prevent costly repairs and keep your home safe and dry throughout the winter months.
4. Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Smoke Alarms
Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should also be checked during the onset of the season. Since you tend to use your heat more and leave the windows closed throughout the winter months, you’re naturally at a higher risk for carbon monoxide build-up. Plus, the dryness of the air during the winter can make it easy for fires to spread quickly. So, take a few minutes and check. This is usually done by pressing a simple button. Finally, if you haven’t changed the batteries in a while, do that now.
5. Check for Drafts on Windows and Doors
Drafts can make your heating system work harder, increasing energy bills. Walk around your home to check for cold air around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal gaps and add insulation. For added protection, consider installing storm windows or a window insulation film to create an extra barrier against the cold.
6. Change the Directions of your Fan
One easy way to help boost your home’s energy efficiency is to make a simple adjustment to your ceiling fans. When you reverse the direction so that the blades run clockwise, the fan can help push down warm air into your home and help you cut back on energy bills.
7. Add Extra Insulation
Proper insulation is one of the best ways to keep your home warm and energy-efficient during the winter. Check your attic, basement, and crawl spaces for adequate insulation. Adding extra insulation in these areas can help prevent heat loss and save on heating costs. If you’re unsure about the insulation levels in your home or what type of insulating materials to use, consult a professional to assess your needs and recommend options.
8. Clear the Gutters
There’s nothing as beautiful as trees during the fall, but in early winter months, this can translate to problems for your home’s drainage system. If you don’t have gutter guards, schedule a gutter cleaning before the winter season is in full swing. Otherwise, if it rains heavily or melted snow starts pouring off your roof, the water won’t be able to migrate through the downspout, and it will begin to pour over the sides. This can damage the siding on your home and cause flooding around the foundation, which could result in more severe problems in the future. If you’re uncomfortable doing this on your own, hire a professional.
9. Protect Your Driveway
Homeowners with asphalt driveways can take a proactive approach to avoid damage caused by the freeze-thaw cycles during winter. First, you’ll want to clean any debris from noticeable cracks. Then, use a crack filler to fill small cracks and reduce the risk of damage. You may want to use something more durable, such as a repair kit if there are large signs of damage or holes. You can typically find these at your local home improvement store and make it a DIY project.
10. Trim Trees and Shrubbery
Even if all the leaves are gone, it’s still recommended to perform maintenance on the trees on your property. Trim large branches that are close to your home or power lines, and keep an eye out for any signs of rotting. This can help keep your home safe during winter storms and avoid having to perform maintenance or repairs amid harsh winter conditions.
11. Test Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, ensure it functions properly before winter arrives. Heavy snow and rain can cause flooding, and a working sump pump will help prevent water damage in your basement. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to test if it activates correctly. Also, ensure the discharge line is clear of debris and pointed away from your home’s foundation to avoid any backup issues. This can reduce the risk of troublesome clogs during the holiday months.
12. Take Precautions to Avoid Frozen Pipes
When you’re home in winter, there’s not much risk of frozen pipes (unless you don’t heat your home). Ideally, regardless of whether you’re in town or on vacation, keep your home at a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. When you go on vacation, open the cabinets to give plumbing more exposure to the warm airflow. Some homeowners may also want to add some insulation around water pipes as a precaution, as this can help protect your home from troublesome winter leaks and severe water damage.
13. Turn Off Any Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor pipes are notorious for freezing and bursting during cold winter, so don’t forget to prep them beforehand. The best option is to completely shut off the valve that supplies water to outdoor pipes. Then, to avoid any issues, you’ll want to have the system blown out. This requires an air compressor, and seeking professional help might be better. This step is optional if you only have a spout leading outdoors but crucial if you have an irrigation system.
14. Store Outdoor Furniture for the Winter Months
Those with a beautiful patio complete with wood, cloth, or wick furniture need to take an extra step to protect things. These materials aren’t meant to withstand harsh winters, so if you want to save money in the long run (and avoid buying new items next year), it’s best to bring them inside. You can put them in your garage or rent a self-storage unit for the season to keep everything protected.
15. Have a Plan for Snow Removal
Heavy snow accumulation on your roof can risk your home’s structural integrity. To prevent damage, consider having a plan to remove snow safely from your roof. If your area experiences significant snowfall, you might want to invest in a roof rake designed to clear snow without climbing. For large amounts of snow or ice dams, consider hiring a professional to remove the buildup safely, as attempting to do it yourself can be dangerous and may cause damage to the roofing material.
Partner with a Professional for Your Winter Weather Maintenance
To help you check a few items off your winter home maintenance checklist, partner with the team at First Star Exteriors. Our team of contractors can provide home exterior inspections, along with gutter care, window and door maintenance or replacement, roofing care, and more. If there are any signs of damage, you can be confident that our team will offer competitive rates with complete transparency.
The professional contractors at First Star Exteriors prioritize personable partnerships and always keep our client’s needs at the forefront of our decisions. With over 25 years of experience, First Star Exteriors is a family-owned and operated business you can trust. Contact us today to schedule winter maintenance or receive a free quote within 48 hours.
