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Seasons change, and so do the needs of your home. Preparation is something you should do before the cold weather comes in. It takes a little bit of work, but a lot of problems are avoided. Some of the following are home maintenance tasks that will keep your house safe, warm, and operational during the winter.
1. Heating System Inspection
During winter, your heating system is put under pressure. Have it ready before the cold weather comes. Switch it on early to see whether it is heating well or not. When it smells strange or it is noisy, take it for an inspection. Replace the filter to maintain the air flowing. It is advisable to have a pre-season HVAC tune up that will pick up any problem before it is too late.
2. Seal Doors and Windows
Cold air can easily get in through tiny cracks. Go around your home and inspect for air leaks around windows and doors. In case you feel the draft, then you will need to replace the weatherstrip or coat it with some caulking. This will work in the sense that the warm air will remain in the house, and at the same time, you will save on energy bills. Even small holes allow cold air to enter, thus stuffing them up will ensure your house is efficient and comfortable.
3. Clean Your Gutters
Leaves and debris fall in the gutters during the fall. When it is not cleared, it could cause a backup of water that will freeze. This can shatter your roof or your walls. Clean out your gutters and make sure downspouts are pointed out. Your foundation should be a few feet away, where water drains. A clogged gutter may result in ice dams that will cause leaks within your house. Frequent cleaning will ensure that water flows properly, and your siding, basement, and landscape will not be damaged due to water.
4. Protect Outdoor Facets
Frozen water may break pipes and result in leakage. To prevent this, empty and unplug the garden hose. Wrap the outside facets with a foam cover or wrap a towel around them and place them in a plastic bag. Examine whether your home has a shut-off valve to the outside water, close it, and drain the pipes. This is a very easy way to avoid frozen pipes, cracked pipes, and costly water damage in the future.
5. Inspect the Roof
Snow and ice may exert a lot of weight on your roof. Missing or loose shingles may cause leaks as the snow melts. Stand away and view your roof from the ground or with a pair of binoculars.
If you happen to see something that seems ot be broken, a roofer will have to take a closer look at it. It is advisable not to wait until the first snow to understand that you have a problem. Repair costs can be avoided early on by addressing leaks, insulation issues, and expensive damage due to melting snow or ice. Just a few minutes now protects you from the hassle of larger repairs when it is the coldest time of the year.
6. Service Your Fireplace or Chimney
In case you are going to use a fireplace or a wood stove, ensure that it is safe and clean. You could employ someone to clean and inspect the chimney, particularly when it has been neglected for a long time. Besides, make the damper open and close without difficulty. Before lighting the first fire, remove any buildup of ash or soot.
7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Winter months encourage individuals to stay longer at home. There is also the risk of a fire or the leakage of carbon monoxide in the fireplaces and heating systems. Ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working. Test the buttons, replacing batteries where required, and make sure you have one on all floors of your house.
Conclusion
Winterizing your house does not have to be a chore. You can inspect the needful over a weekend, and it will save you time and money in the long run. Find time to prepare now. You will be happy you did it when winter arrives. A properly equipped house is more efficient, makes you comfortable, and prevents last-minute breakdowns when the weather becomes severe and cruel.
