A house needs maintenance and upkeep to function properly all year round. If your home is not ready for each season, the changing weather conditions can cause damage. By taking steps to prepare your home for winter, you will keep your family warm and comfortable and prevent problems that can occur during colder weather.
1. Clean or Replace HVAC Filters
An HVAC system cannot perform efficiently if it is in bad condition due to a lack of maintenance. A unit that is not regularly maintained will have accumulated dust and dirt particles in the filters. Dirty filters increase energy bills and contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Have your system inspected by a professional HVAC technician who can provide advice on how to maintain the unit as winter arrives. You’ll keep the system running well and regular maintenance helps extend its life expectancy.
2. Clean the Gutters to Prepare Your Home for Winter
In preparation for winter, clear leaves, pine needles, and dirt from your gutters and take care of any needed repairs. Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and damage your roofing materials, siding, and foundation.
Heavy gutters, filled with ice and debris, can collapse due to the build-up of materials in cold weather. Prevent this damage by cleaning the gutters and making necessary repairs to the structures before winter arrives.
3. Insulate the Windows
Old windows need to be insulated to prevent heat loss. You can use caulk, a shrink film, and weather stripping to insulate the windows quickly. To further boost energy efficiency in your home, open the blinds during the day and close them at night. The sun will warm your living spaces. Closing the window coverings at night helps to keep heat inside. Seal the gaps around doors and use a draft snake to block the flow of cold air at the bottom of the door.
4. Prepare Your Home for Winter by Inspecting the Roof
You don’t want to discover that your roof is leaking in the middle of the winter. The freezing and thawing of water beneath the roofing materials could lead to significant property damage. A roof inspection in the fall will identify potential issues or areas that need urgent repair. Some roofing repairs are easy to do yourself, but others may require the help of an expert.
Hire a roofing contractor to assess the roof’s condition and determine if it is sufficient to protect the home throughout the winter. If there are any damages, repair them as soon as you can. Do not wait until winter arrives to become aware of roofing problems.
Take care of home maintenance tasks before the weather gets too cold. Fall provides the perfect opportunity to prepare the property for cooler temperatures. If you don’t have time, hire a professional to take care of these tasks. Your home will be ready for winter and you’ll feel peace of mind knowing you’re taking care of your investment.
Cole’s Inspection Services provides home inspection services to customers in Statesville, NC, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.