As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisper, it can only mean one thing – winter is on its way! While many of us look forward to cozy nights by the fire and steaming mugs of cocoa, our homes might need a little extra TLC to weather the colder months. Fear not, for we are here to arm you with the ultimate Winter Home Checklist!
Gutters Galore
Clear those gutters of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Clogged gutters are the enemy of proper drainage, and nobody likes a flooded basement. Picture it as a fall clean-up for your home’s internal plumbing – less mess, more warmth!
Seal the Deal
Inspect windows and doors for drafts. Drafts are sneaky little creatures that can turn your cozy living room into an icy tundra. Seal cracks and gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. Plus, don’t forget about sealing your foundation, so you don’t have any unwanted pests living rent free in your home.
Pro Tip: You can arrange to get a Home Energy Audit from your local utility company, if you would like to see if there are areas you could be saving with your electric, oil or gas.
Heating
Make sure to schedule a maintenance check with your HVAC technician to ensure that your furnace or boiler is in good working condition. It’s also a good idea to replace your air filters to improve indoor air quality and help your heating system run more efficiently.
Pipe Dreams
Protect your pipes! Frozen pipes can be a nightmare, so make sure your pipes are properly insulated. If you have any outdoor faucets, turn off the water supply and drain them to prevent freezing. It’s also a good idea to keep your home at a consistent temperature to prevent any pipes from freezing.
Let There Be Light
Outdoor lighting is not just for holiday cheer; it’s also for safety. Ensure pathways are well-lit to prevent slips and falls. Think of it as a runway for your home – guiding you safely to your cozy abode!
Storm-Ready Exteriors
Trim tree branches near your home to prevent them from becoming projectiles during winter storms. Winter can be wild, but with proper maintenance your backyard won’t resemble a scene from a disaster movie!
There you have it, folks – armed with these tips, your home will be winter-ready and you can focus on the important things – like perfecting your snowman-building skills and mastering the art of the perfect marshmallow-to-hot-chocolate ratio.
Need any additional help with a home improvement project? Reach out to our skilled team of professionals today to get started! Stay warm, stay safe, and here’s to a winter filled with snug homes and heartwarming moments!