Winter doesn’t have to freeze you out of your own home! Follow these helpful winter home maintenance tips to get your home ready for the freezing temperatures.
Clean out your gutters to prevent “ice dams” and severe damage in colder temperatures. Dead autumn leaves clog up the drains and stop the flow of water – it is essential to clear them out before winter so that all melted snow can efficiently drain.
Disconnect and drain your garden hoses so water won’t freeze inside; low temperatures can negatively affect the casing by causing cracks and leaks. It is a good idea to store garden hoses inside the garage rather than outside during the winter. Tightening the water spigot is also a good way to protect your home from leaks.
Cleaning your furnace should be a priority this time of year. Make an appointment for your furnace's annual checkup to change filters, clean the air vents and ducts, and check the thermostat. Also inspect the heat exchanger for leaks to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Clean your fireplace from soot and other potential fire hazards. If you have a gas fireplace, checking for clogged vents and malfunctioning properties is an important step in making sure your fireplace is safe to use on those colder days.
Switch the direction of your ceiling fan blades. By reversing the direction, the fan will push the cold air up and the heat down, effectively warming the room faster.
Open your blinds on bright winter days to heat the house naturally. This solar powered heating system will reduce the need for a furnace, saving money and electricity.
Check the weather stripping on your house and seal any gaps around doors and windows. This will prevent moisture and drafts coming inside. For replacing, rubber and vinyl stripping is generally the easiest and most cost-effective.
Test all smoke detectors throughout the home for safety and make sure they’re in working order. Replace batteries if necessary.
Flush out sediment from your water heater and replace old or broken anode rods. Frozen water and sediment can clog the pipes and lead to lower water capacity and rust. Regular maintenance will improve efficiency and life expectancy.
Check fire extinguishers for good health. Even though they are mostly resistant to freezing temperatures, it’s still a key thing to investigate to be prepared for winter’s fire threats.
