Winter Home Maintenance: Essential Tips For A Warm And Safe Season
Winter brings chilly temperatures, snow, and cozy moments by the fire. However, it also brings challenges for homeowners in terms of maintenance and keeping their homes safe and warm. In this article, we'll explore some essential tips to help you look after your home during the winter months.
Winter Home Maintenance: Essential Tips For A Warm And Safe Season
​Preparing Your Home For Winter
-- Sealing Drafts
Drafts around windows and doors can lead to heat loss. Seal these gaps using weatherstripping or caulking. This simple step not only keeps you warm and toasty, it can also significantly reduce your energy bills. According to saveonenergy.com, weatherstripping gaps around your doors and windows inside your home can save you up to 15 percent on your monthly energy bills.
-- Checking Insulation
Before the cold sets in, inspect your home's insulation. Proper insulation keeps the cold air out and the warm air in. Check your attic, walls, and crawl spaces for any gaps or worn-out insulation, and take proper steps to replace any missing or damaged insulation before the colder temps really set in.
-- Cleaning Gutters
Regularly clear your gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris to prevent clogs. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze creating ice dams, which can potentially damage your roof and walls. Clogs can also cause issues in your basement from water overflow, which can run down the sides of your home instead of through downspouts.
Heating System Maintenance
-- Checking The Furnace
If you have a furnace, then you should have a maintenance contract with a reputable heating and cooling professional. At least once a year, prior to the start of winter, you should have your furnace checked by a professional Regular maintenance ensures it's running efficiently and safely throughout the winter, and a simple furnace tune up can improve your system's energy efficiency by up to 30%. Additionally, be sure to change the filters before the start of winter to help improve air quality in your home.
-- Programmable Thermostats
Outdated thermostats are so passe! It's time to consider a programmable thermostat to regulate indoor temperatures. These programmable thermostats are relatively affordable and can help you maintain the temperature in your home whether you're home or away, which can save on energy bills.
  Sensi Lite Smart Programmable Thermostat, amazon.com |
  Honeywell Home RTH7600D 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat, amazon.com |
-- Vent Cleaning
Clean the vents and ducts to ensure proper airflow. Dust and debris accumulation can restrict the system's efficiency. Simply turn off your HVAC unit, unscrew the vent covers and vacuum using the brush and/or crevice attachment. You can also wipe them down with a microfiber cloth, or for tough areas use a soft bristled brush and warm soapy water. Once clean and dry, reattach the vent covers and turn your heating unit back on as usual.
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Basement Care In Winter
Your basement plays a vital role in your home's overall health, especially during the winter months. Proper maintenance can help prevent issues like flooding and cold drafts.
-- Check For Leaks And Cracks
Inspect your basement for any leaks or cracks. Even small openings can allow cold air to enter and cause moisture problems. If you do find any leaks or cracks, it's best to contact a basement professional as soon as possible.
-- Maintain Your Sump Pump
If your basement has a sump pump, ensure it's in good working condition. Test it to make sure it can handle excess water in case of melting snow or heavy rains. A well-functioning sump pump can prevent basement flooding.
--Protect Your Pipes
Exposed pipes in the basement are susceptible to freezing. Insulate them to prevent freezing and potential bursting. Wrapping pipes in foam or using heating tape can save you from costly repairs.
Winter Roof Maintenance
-- Roof Inspection
Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Addressing these issues before winter storms can prevent leaks. To learn more about what goes in to caring for your roof (no matter the season), check out our article, "Everything You Need To Know About Roof Maintenance".
-- Clearing Snow
After a snowfall, use a roof rake to remove excess snow. Too much snow accumulation can lead to roof collapse. If using a roof rake is above your pay grade, call a reputable snow removal service, tree company or local nursery for recommendations.
-- Attic Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation can help to prevent ice dams and roof damage. Ensure soffit vents are clear of obstructions. One way to do this is by blasting compressed air in them to blow away dust, dirt and any loose insulation that may have fallen into the vents. Thankfully, clearing soffit vents is a task that only has to be done once every few years.
Protecting Pipes And Plumbing
-- Insulating Pipes
Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant damage. Make sure exposed plumbing pipes are properly insulated with either foam or rubber pipe sleeves to prevent freezing.
-- Dripping Faucets
Allow faucets to drip slightly during extremely cold nights. The movement of water can prevent pipes from freezing. "Frozen pipes become a real threat at 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.6 Celcius) or lower", explains Jake Romano, a plumber at an Ottawa Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Company. "When the temperature falls below freezing, and a water supply is exposed to these freezing temperatures, the water can freeze in the pipe. When this happens, the water in the pipe expands. Without anywhere to go, your pipe can expand and break", he shares.
-- Drainage Maintenance
Ensure proper drainage around your home's foundation to prevent water accumulation and potential flooding. If you find the dirt around your foundation has shifted, if you see cracks or any water damage along your foundation, you should contact a foundation repair company as soon as possible to discuss what you can do to remediate the situation before it turns into a costly, structural issue.
Outdoor Area Maintenance
-- Removing Debris
Here at AHWD, we are big advocates of performing spring and fall clean ups. In the fall, we recommend you clear your outdoor spaces of debris and fallen leaves, trim tree branches that could potentially snap under heavy snow and take steps to protect your garden from the upcoming frosty season.
-- Storing Outdoor Furniture
Store outdoor furniture in a shed or garage to protect it from winter weather and prolong its lifespan. Additionally, an outdoor storage box is perfect for storing cushions and other patio and yard items.
-- Icicle Removal
Much like snow on your roof, icicles should be removed whenever possible so they don't fall unexpectedly and become a safety hazard.
Winter home maintenance requires attention to detail and a proactive approach. By implementing these strategies, you'll ensure a safe, comfortable, and cozy winter season for you and your loved ones.
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