Winter can be a beautiful season, but it’s also a time when your home faces some of its toughest challenges. Cold temperatures, ice, and snow take a toll on your house if you’re unprepared. Fortunately, proactive winter home maintenance goes a long way in keeping your home comfortable, safe, and free from winter-related issues.
Inspect and Seal Your Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors are common culprits for heat loss during winter. Walk around your home and check for gaps or cracks that might let in cold air. You can often feel these drafts with your hand or see daylight peeking through. Applying weatherstripping or caulking around windows and doors makes a big difference in keeping the warm air inside and your heating costs down.
If you have older windows, add thermal curtains or plastic insulation kits for an extra layer of protection. These small changes help keep your home warmer and more energy-efficient all season.
Check Your Heating System
Your heating system works overtime during the winter, so it’s important to make sure it’s up to the task. Start by replacing or cleaning your furnace filter, as a dirty filter reduces efficiency and strains your system. If you haven’t had your heating system serviced in a while, schedule a professional inspection to confirm everything is running smoothly.
For homeowners with fireplaces, make sure the chimney is clean and free from blockages. Using a chimney cap helps prevent debris or animals from getting inside, a common issue during colder months.
Protect Your Pipes During Winter Home Maintenance
Frozen pipes are a nightmare, leading to expensive repairs and water damage. To prevent this, wrap exposed pipes in foam insulation or heat tape, especially those in unheated areas like basements, garages, or crawl spaces. Letting faucets drip slightly during extremely cold weather can also keep water moving and reduce the risk of freezing.
Remember to disconnect and store garden hoses and shut off outdoor water valves if your home has them. This small step can prevent exterior pipes from freezing and bursting.
Clear Your Gutters and Check Your Roof
Ice dams form when snow melts on your roof and refreezes at the edges, causing water to back up under your shingles. To prevent this, make sure your gutters are free from leaves and debris before the first heavy snowfall. Clean gutters allow proper drainage, reducing the risk of ice dams and water damage.
Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles and address them quickly to avoid leaks. If your area experiences heavy snowfall, a roof rake can help you safely remove excess snow to reduce stress on your roof.
Winter Home Maintenance Includes Testing Your Safety Devices
Winter is a season when house fires and carbon monoxide leaks are more likely, as homes rely heavily on heating systems and fireplaces. Take a few minutes to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re functioning properly. Replace batteries if needed and keep fire extinguishers in easy-to-access locations.
With preparation, you’ll protect your home and family from winter’s harshest conditions. By tackling these tasks early in the season, you’ll enjoy a warmer, safer, and more worry-free winter.
Ace Home Inspection offers professional home inspection services to Knoxville and surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an inspection today.