8 Ways To Prepare Your Home for Winter

Winter is on its way, and with extreme weather becoming more common across the globe, it's best to be prepared. It will take some time to get your home ready to withstand the lower temperatures, so begin early while it is still warm outside. However, there is no reason to be discouraged - all maintenance tasks are relatively simple and, for the most part, free.

Below, you will find a comprehensive pre-winter maintenance checklist that will allow you to prepare your home for cold weather. Apart from checking the heating system and fixing garage doors, it also covers tasks like cleaning the gutters, inspecting the roof, checking the chimney and fireplace, sealing doors and windows, protecting the pipes from freezing, and more. Continue reading to learn more about getting your house ready for the colder months.

Check the Heating System

If you have a forced-air heating system, give it a thorough inspection before the temperature drops. Look for any cracks in the ductwork and leaks in the sealant, as well as damage to the filter, as it can result in air leakage, high energy bills, and poor indoor air quality. Also, check the furnace fan motor and belt for wear and tear. While you are at it, have a professional inspect the combustion blower and valves. If there's a problem, it will need to be fixed before winter starts.

Fix Garage Doors

Garage doors are notorious for being one of the most neglected parts of a home. You may have noticed that they have been getting harder to open lately. It is likely that the door is misaligned or its springs are weak. However, just like other parts of your home, garage doors can be repaired or replaced. Take the time to repair or replace it before winter comes, because if your garage door freezes, you will not be able to open it until spring.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters get clogged with debris during fall, so it is important to clean them out beforehand so they don't freeze up in the winter. Cleaning them is fairly straightforward - all you need to do is brush them off or use a leaf blower, but make sure to do it before ice begins to form on them. The ice can cause heavy snow buildup inside the gutters, which may cause damage to your home or worse. If you live in an area where it often snows, consider replacing your gutters with a model that does not collect snow.

Inspect the Roof

You should inspect your roof at least twice a year to make sure there are no issues with it. This includes looking for loose shingles, cracked or missing shingles, broken or missing flashing around chimneys or vent pipes, and more. If you find anything wrong with the roof, it needs to be fixed immediately to avoid further damage. Additionally, inspect the attic insulation - if it is loose or missing in some places, that means that cold air will enter your house through these gaps during the winter.

Check Chimneys and Fireplaces

The chimney must be cleaned before winter hits - otherwise, it will be blocked by ash residue, which will prevent smoke from exiting the fireplace properly. You can hire a professional chimney sweep company to clean it for you - they usually charge around $100 for this service. Alternatively, you can do it yourself if you buy a chimney cap and a vacuum cleaner designed for this purpose.

Make sure that you maintain your fireplace in general - remove ashes regularly and try to keep it free from creosote in general. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood that can cause chimney fires when left unattended over time. Furthermore, creosote buildup in the flue may impede airflow, leading to inefficient combustion which can greatly reduce fuel efficiency and increase emissions.

Inspect the Pipes

Pipes are susceptible to freezing in winter, so make sure to inspect yours for signs of damage which could result in water leaks when temperatures drop. If you detect any leaks in faucets and pipes, get them repaired quickly before they get worse and cause more damage than necessary. Use a pipe snake to clear out any frozen pipes and wrap them in heating tape or insulation if necessary to keep them warm and prevent freezing. Don't forget about the drain pipes either - you don't want them freezing and bursting open while you're asleep.

Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors

Sealing gaps around windows and doors is important for both preventing cold weather drafts and keeping bugs out of your home during the summer months; however, this task is best done during winter when windows can be kept closed for an extended period of time without letting warm air escape from your home or allowing bugs inside. There are a lot of gaps where cold air can come in through window frames - around locks, sills, framing, etc., so pay special attention to these spots when sealing them up.

Meanwhile, there are two types of door seals that can be used: door sweeps and draft stoppers. These products cost less than $10 each, and they'll help save money on heating bills during the winter months. Door sweeps go under doorways while draft stoppers go on top of doors - simply choose the appropriate type for your door frame.

Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Most fires occur during the winter months, so it is important that your smoke alarms are in working order. Test them once per month to ensure that they are functional in case of an emergency. You should also have a CO detector if you have fuel-burning appliances in your home. These detectors are required in areas where the natural gas pipeline is not accessible, so you must have one in your home regardless - they are relatively inexpensive, so there's no excuse not to have one.

In Conclusion

Pre-winter maintenance is not very difficult, but it can help your home last through the cold winter months. Hopefully, this checklist has given you some ideas on how to prepare your home for the winter season. It is important to note that most of these tasks should be performed in October or November before the weather gets too cold - doing this now will ensure that everything is ready and safe for your family and pets before winter hits.

If you wish to get some professional help, search for plumbing services near you or get a remodeling contractor on board. With an expert by your side, every task will become much more manageable. Good luck!