No homeowner or renter should ignore the importance of annual home maintenance. Regular septic tanks pumping and other maintenance tasks are important all year long, but some jobs should be done specifically before winter.
This article will give you all the information you need so that you and your house are ready for winter no matter how cold it is.
Check your home’s heating system
The heating system in your home is a must-do for any annual maintenance. You’ll feel cold and frustrated if your heating system doesn’t function properly. You could also end up paying a lot more for maintenance during winter.
Call a professional to inspect the heating system in your home, especially before winter’s first snowstorm. If you do this annually, your heating system will last for many years.
You should have your gas furnace’s vent system checked to ensure that there are no leaks or blockages. If you haven’t changed the filter in the last six months, it is time to do so. You should also inspect the hoses and drainage systems to ensure there aren’t any leaks.
You should check for leaks in your boiler every month and do an inspection just before winter. You should also check the wiring, venting system and heat exchanger.
You must ensure that the outdoor unit of your heat pump is clear of snow, debris and leaves. Trim any shrubs and greenery to ensure that they are at least 18 inches from the outdoor unit.
Check that there are no heat leaks
You should check your heating system and make sure there aren’t any other leaks. This could cause a loss in heat. The heated air may escape from your home through cracks in the doors and windows, or faulty weather strips around your windows.
You should inspect your walls and roof to make sure that there are no cracks or openings that could allow heated air to escape, causing you to pay more in heating costs.
It would be a great idea to use a special spray foam to fill in any gaps left by recessed wiring, lighting, plumbing or other fixtures. If you have a cellar, be extra careful to check for any holes caused by vents and pipe installations. Heat can easily escape from this area.
Cleaning Your Chimney
Annual home maintenance should include chimney inspections. If you haven’t done so in a long time, it is best to do this before winter makes the task difficult.
If you think that there is something wrong with your chimney, then it’s best to call in a professional company for chimney repair. In fact, failing to maintain your chimney could lead to roof problems. The roof can be damaged by cracks and fires in the chimney.
Make sure that there isn’t any soot buildup in your chimney. Also, make sure birds haven’t left their nests at the top of your chimney causing a blockage. After you have done this maintenance, you will be able to enjoy your hot coffee and the fire without worrying about fires.
Give your Gutters a Good Clean
Even though it is an annoying chore, most of us are aware that gutter cleaning is part of annual home maintenance. It is particularly important if there are trees near your house that can cause a buildup of leaves and debris in your gutters.
If your gutters are not clean, heavy rains can cause damage to your house because water cannot be directed correctly.
It’s best to hire someone to clean your gutters, even though you could do it yourself. They know the best way to clean safely and have all of the necessary tools.
You should also clean your residential awning to prevent it from being damaged by the same accumulation of debris and leaves that can damage your gutters.
Take Care of All Your Trees
You should give your trees extra attention before winter arrives if they are part of a well-planned landscape and enhance the beauty of your house. Unfortunately, the harsh winter weather will do damage to your trees and plants.
Check for any trouble spots, such as trees that are leaning to one side or rotten branches. It is a good idea to hire an arborist for the job of trimming back large trees that are near your house or power lines. You may even need to remove the tree or cut large branches if it is likely to die before winter.
If you fail to take the necessary precautions, it can cause major damage to your home, vehicles or people if branches fall on them during a storm.
Check and seal your doors and windows
As part of your home maintenance routine, you should check the insulation in your home. This is especially important before the coldest time of the year. Many small gaps and holes can allow heat to escape from your home and cold air into it.
You can save a lot on heating costs by ensuring that the windows and doors of your home are properly sealed and insulated. This will also keep you and everyone else warm. Caulk should be inspected around door frames, and reapplied if needed.
You may need to hire a home insulation company or window replacement service if you do not have the time to seal your windows. Even the smallest gaps can affect the temperature inside your home.
Check Your Foundation
Your home’s foundation can suffer a lot during the cold winter months. Cold temperatures can cause soil to shrink or contract. This allows the foundation to move and settle. This can cause damage to the foundation in the form cracks. These can then lead to water leaks and pests.
You should try to avoid both water and pests in your home. Remember that snow and ice melts and can leak into your house through cracks in the foundation. This can cause mildew, wood decay, and mold in your basement, along with damage to your belongings.
Foundation repairs should be included in your home’s annual maintenance checklist.
Check for Ice Dams
This is a point that you should check during winter maintenance, but it’s important enough to mention before cold weather arrives so you won’t forget.
Ice that has formed on your roof can cause damage to your gutters, siding and shingles. Water will then leak into your home, causing damage to your walls, floors, insulation and more. It may be necessary to hire professionals, such as a floor company, to deal with the damage. This can be expensive.
Check your roof regularly for ice dams to avoid the frustration and discomfort they can cause.
Winter Emergency Supplies: Stock up!
Stocking up on emergency items should be part of any home maintenance checklist.
If you live in a region where winter storms, blizzards, and other severe weather are common and expected to occur again this year, it is important that you stock up. Prepare for power outages and other situations.
It is essential to have non-perishable foods and canned goods, as well as extra water, blankets and wood for the fireplace, so that you don’t get stuck in a wet, cold situation. Prepare flashlights, batteries and clean clothes as well as other items you may need in a storm.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Smoke Detectors
In the winter we try to keep out the cold air by keeping doors and windows closed. It’s good to stay warm but it doesn’t allow for fresh air. This could lead to dangerous gas buildup in your home such as carbon dioxide.
Heating systems can also dry out the air inside your home. This will cause a fire to spread much faster than usual. It’s important to inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in advance of winter. This will help you prepare and prevent safety and health issues.
Test your detectors regularly and double-check that they work. You should also keep extra batteries handy in case you need them.
Remove the ice and snow from roofs and trees
Clearing snow and ice off your roof and from trees is another important part of home maintenance. It’s a task that’s best done in the winter, not before. But it’s still important enough to include on your list so you don’t forget.
You should remove snow as quickly as possible from your roof and trees. The accumulation of wet, heavy snow can lead to tree branches snapping and posing a danger. If your roof and gutters are covered with snow, you may have caused a lot more damage than necessary.
Make Sure Your Pipes Don’t Freeze
When your pipes are exposed for a long time to cold air, they may burst. This can lead to major water damage, which can be expensive, inconvenient, and frustrating.
It is important to do everything you can to keep your pipes from freezing. Even when you are not at home, keep your thermostat set to 55 degrees. Do not open cabinets with plumbing to keep the airflow warm.
Insulating your pipes will also help them stay warm. Insulation that keeps the cold away is available at your local hardware store.
Inspect and Service Your Water Heater
As temperatures drop, your water heater becomes one of the most essential appliances in your home. To ensure you have a steady supply of hot water during winter, it’s crucial to inspect and service your water heater before the coldest months arrive.
Start by checking the temperature setting on your water heater. Experts recommend keeping it at around 120°F to maintain efficiency while preventing scalding. If your water heater has a buildup of sediment, flushing the tank can improve performance and extend its lifespan. Over time, sediment can cause your heater to work harder, leading to higher energy costs and potential system failure.
Additionally, inspect the anode rod for corrosion. This rod helps prevent rust from forming inside the tank, and replacing it when necessary can help prolong the life of your water heater. If you have a tankless system, check for any mineral buildup that could affect efficiency.
For homes in extremely cold climates, insulating the water heater tank and exposed pipes can help retain heat and prevent freezing. A well-maintained water heater not only ensures comfort but also reduces energy consumption, ultimately saving you money on utility bills throughout the winter season.
Prepare Your Garage for Winter
Your garage is often an overlooked part of winter home maintenance, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your home safe and functional during cold weather. A well-insulated and organized garage can protect your vehicles, tools, and other stored items from extreme temperatures.
Start by sealing any gaps or cracks around your garage door and walls. Cold air can easily seep in, making your garage—and even adjacent rooms—colder than necessary. Adding weather stripping to the bottom of the garage door and insulating the walls can help retain heat.
If you park your vehicle inside, ensure your garage door opener and tracks are in good working condition. Cold temperatures can cause mechanical parts to stiffen, leading to potential malfunctions. Regular lubrication of moving parts can prevent these issues.
Additionally, check that hazardous materials such as paint, motor oil, and cleaning supplies are stored properly. Some chemicals can freeze or become unstable in extremely low temperatures, leading to safety hazards.
Lastly, consider installing a garage heater if you use the space for projects or storage. A small, energy-efficient heater can make a significant difference in keeping your garage warm and usable throughout the winter.
Bonus Tip: Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are one of the final points to be discussed when it comes to annual home maintenance. This is a little-known trick.
You can save money by using this tip. Reversing the motor of your ceiling fan can give your heating system some rest. The ceiling fans will now run clockwise.
It may seem like a small thing, but this can make a big difference. The fans can be turned clockwise to force warm air from the ceiling to lower areas of the room. The room will be warmer, without having to turn up the thermostat.
You must do thorough and regular home maintenance every year if you want to maintain your house properly. Prepare your home to withstand the harsh winter. You will protect your home and also enjoy the season. It will allow you to relax, knowing that your home is prepared for whatever the winter brings.