How to Maintain Your House in the Winter

Winter maintenance is essential for all homeowners who want to make sure that their homes are properly maintained and not endangered by any potential factor. Before the temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, it is important to perform a maintenance routine that involves both the interior and exterior of your home. This way, you will make sure that neither you nor your family will be ever susceptible to pathogens or other dangers that are common to this time of the year.

Check the Heating

In the first place, you need to make sure that your heating system is properly functioning ahead of time. Since temperatures are colder in winter, your home needs to be warm and comfortable, so a heating system that works adequately is mandatory. You should check the boiler if you have one. And if some work needs to be done on your heating or your boiler, call a licensed contractor to do the job for you. 

Check the Roof

One very important thing you should do to maintain your home is roof maintenance. Since your roof has direct contact with the environment, it is more likely to be damaged, especially when the winter arrives. Before snow begins to fall, make sure you check the roof for potential leaks, fungi or mold, which will weaken its structure and will automatically damage the interior of your home as well. Be sure to wrap water piping in UL-Listed heat tape; if it is exposed in unheated places like your garage, insulate it. If your water piping is plastic, work solely with thermostatically controlled heat tape.

Make Sure Everything is Sealed

Heat loss is a common problem amongst homeowners, which is why you have to keep your home perfectly warm by adding weather stripping around your doors and windows. This will help you guard them against drafts, keeping the entire house evenly heated. During winter, you will be using your heating system continually, hence resulting in a lot of energy loss and waste. To prevent that, you need to change the HVAC filters monthly and check the insulation in your crawlspace and attic. Seal all areas around recessed lights, attic hatch and plumbing vents that allow the warm air to enter the attic. In case you do not have double-paneled windows, remove the screens and proceed to install storm windows instead. This will ensure you that the cold will stay outside, while the warm remains inside.

Check the Wiring

If you usually decorate your home during winter, it is very important to be precautious first and check the wires of your light display, which might be frayed and susceptible to fire danger. If you plan to keep a real Christmas tree inside your home, make sure you water it regularly, so that it will not be likely to catch fire.

To maintain your home, you might sometimes need to prepare an emergency kit to help you in difficult or extreme situations. Blackouts are common during winter, specifically if the weather is very snowy and windy. Items like flashlights, candle lights, bottled water, blankets, phone number from utility companies, first-aid kits, nonperishable food and battery backup to protect electronic equipment are essential and will help you prepare for a large number of emergencies.

Published by: Blackstock Electric