Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Building a snowman, cozying up by the fire, and enjoying a warm mug of hot chocolate are some of the best things about the winter season. Some aspects of winter aren’t so fun, though, like maintenance around the house. Failing to do regular maintenance can lead to damage to your home’s exterior, which could cost you money and mean less time in front of the fire. Everyone knows they need to keep a snow brush in their car during the winter or have a snow shovel handy, but what about the less well-known winter tips? That’s where this blog comes in.

Weatherproof Doors and Windows

Getting a head start on mother nature and preparing your windows and doors from the elements is crucial in protecting your home. Drafts can leak in through your windows and doors if gaps exist that allow air through. If your home is drafty, you’ll likely see an increase in your heating and cooling bills. Caulking and weatherstripping can fill small holes and gaps to patch the issue temporarily. If the problem can’t be managed, replacing your windows and doors will be necessary.

Reverse Your Fans

Switching the direction that your ceiling fans rotate is a lesser-known tip, but one that can certainly make a difference. Typically, warm air rises, but when you reverse your fan’s direction, it keeps the warm air lower in your home where you can feel it. To flip the direction of your fan, check for a switch on the outside and flick it the other way.

Clean Your Gutters

Everyone thinks of roofing and siding as the main protectors of your home, but gutters play a huge role in defense against the elements. Gutters help divert ice, water, and snow away from your home, keeping it dry. You should make sure that your gutters are clean during all seasons, but especially heading into the winter. Ice and other debris can become heavy and causes stress and possible damage to your gutters.

Keep the Heat On

Keeping your heat on all day may seem counter-intuitive, but actually, it’s a protective measure to prevent your home’s pipes from freezing. Maintaining a baseline temperature in your home will stop your pipes from freezing. If the temperature in your home drops, it has to work overtime to get back to a comfortable temperature, and that drives up your heating costs.

These tips can help keep your home protected from mother nature and anything she throws at it, but also save you money on future repairs. Taking some time now to take care of your home means more time cozied up by the fire later!