Essential Winter Home Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
Freezing temperatures have become our normal again and we’re not the only ones being affected. Your home also goes through shifts with the seasons. Each system within the home, from mechanicals to plumbing, have features that are affected by constant below freezing air. Not to mention the snow and ice that we get plenty of here in Upstate New York. Whether it’s your first winter as a homeowner or your 5oth, this checklist will keep you and your house covered as we get through winter.
Inspect Roof and Gutters: After heavy snow or ice it’s important to check your gutters aren’t blocked. This can help you avoid dangerous icicles, roof damage, and damage from accumulating water.
Trim Trees & Plants: Winter storms bring wind and heavy blankets of snow, both of which can cause tree limbs to snap or trees to fall over entirely. Make sure any branches or trees that are near structures, roofs, and power lines are trimmed back to avoid damage.
Check Your Outdoor Storage: If you are storing power tools or items made of metal or plastic in outdoor storage, they may be affected by the cold weather. If you’re planning on using any of these tools bring them inside to warm up first to prevent breaking, and see if you can find warmer storage for them to improve their longevity.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Safety should always be a top priority for homeowners. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly, replacing batteries if necessary. At a minimum, smoke detectors should be tested twice a year, so making one of those testing times during your winter maintenance is a great way make sure this task gets done on schedule!
Switch Your Ceiling Fans: A lot of homeowners still don’t know that the direction your ceiling fan spins will affect room temperature. In the winter, you want your fan to spin clockwise at a low speed. This will push warm air down and cold air up, making sure that warm air isn’t getting trapped at the ceiling.
Hose & Water Set-Ups: Frozen pipes can lead to damage and expensive repairs. If you have any water lines to the outside, like your outdoor hose spigot or any lawn watering systems, be sure to shut off the water supply to them and drain them so excess water isn’t left in the pipes to freeze.
Keep Your Roof Clear: Heavy snow can affect the structure of your roof or impact it’s longevity. After a big storm or when a lot of snow has begun to accumulate, it’s best to push as much snow from your roof as you can. You can do so with a roof rake!
Replace HVAC Filters: It’s important to be replace your HVAC filters on a 3-month basis. This will make your system more efficient and effective, plus it will help with keeping your house from getting stuffy or dusty while having all the doors and windows closed from the cold.
Seal Doors & Windows: If you have areas in your home that feel colder than others, you should evaluate the door and windows. Be sure that all panes of the windows are closed and locked, and if there is a still a draft it’s time to find the best winterizing solution from your home. You can use weathering stripping, caulk, or purchase a window insulation kit.
By using this winter home maintenance checklist as a guide, you can keep your home in optimal condition and prevent potential problems from escalating into costly repairs. Taking the time to inspect and address maintenance tasks now will not only save you time and money in the long run but also ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for you and your family. So, roll up your sleeves, put on a hat and gloves to stay warm, and give your home the care and attention it deserves. Happy home maintaining!
About the Author
By: Ericka Wadleigh
Exclusive for JulieCoRealty.com